John Rosenkranz
John Ernest Rosenkranz passed away suddenly in the early morning of February 16, 2022 in the presence of his loving wife, Patti, and two of his three children, Mark and Annie Rosenkranz.
John was born on Friday, August 3, 1951 in Oakland, California to Ernestine (Ernie) Candeau and Albert (Al) Rosenkranz. With his siblings, Joanne and Carolyn, he grew up under the green thumbs of his parents who cultivated in each of them a love for gardening, nature, and the beautiful outdoors. It was because of this love that he earned a Biology degree at California State University, East Bay in Hayward, California. He spent the beginning of his career working at a water treatment plant which eventually led to a job transfer to St. Louis in the late 1970’s.
That was when he met the love of his life, Patrice (Patti) Berger, a gorgeous blonde neighbor in the West County Apartment complex. They loved going on adventures and hiking through the woods. They married on a snowy April 11th in 1980. Their true life adventure began when they welcomed into the world their three perfect children, Mark, Annie, and Sarah. They navigated parenthood together with the help of their faith, family, and friends.
Unfortunately, Multiple Sclerosis came crashing into their lives in 1991. Throughout the years, John accepted the disease and always held a positive attitude in the face of the physical challenges he encountered. He was grateful to those around him for their support and thanked God every day for the incredible help and dedication of his wife. Today, he is finally at peace after so many years of hardship.
John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patti, his children Mark (Lisa), Annie (Nathan), and Sarah (Patrick), his grandchildren Burke, Luna, Terra, and Josie, and his sisters Joanne and Carolyn (David).
A memorial celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 23 at Seven Holy Founders Church (6737 S Rock Hill Rd). Visitation at the church will start at 9 am and the funeral mass will begin at 10 am with a luncheon to follow. Masks are requested. Click here to live stream
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of these two organizations:
Global Learning Exchange Initiative (GLXI) Its mission is to empower a new generation of people in developing countries to create sustainable opportunities through literacy and continuing education.
Donation link or address- https://glxi.org/donate
El Salitre Women’s and Children’s Center Its mission is to form a partnership with the women of El Salitre, a village 50 mi outside of Guatemala City that allows them to transform their lives, care for their families, and create a connected, compassionate, and healthy community.
Donation link- https://www.elsalitrecenter.
Patti, Mark, Annie and Sarah:
He was a great guy and he will be missed.
I hope you are all doing the best you can under these circumstances.
Love, Rob Smith
John, was a wonderful man who faced life with joy and peace no matter the circumstances. Together with his wonderful wife Patti they served as an example to all of us, of faith and love in a marriage. We will miss him. Patti we will be there for you in the days ahead.
Love, Alice and Bill Lampe
John faced his life daily with amazing grace. I can honestly say that I’ve never known anyone who faced as many obstacles as he did and did so with such a positive attitude. He and Patti lived their faith in a way that continuously lifted them. As you move forward Patti, I know your strong beliefs will help you with your loss. Also, Mark, Annie and Sarah and their families will all be there for you and for each other.
John faced his MS with grace and grit. I never heard him complain, unless a slight smile or laugh accompanied his words. He developed a great affinity for nature, plants, flowers, fragrances ~ he knew everything about essential oils and herbal teas. He could give guided tours of houseplants, essential oils, unusual teas, flowers and teas. John had a great curiosity and loved reading and sharing ideas. A few days before he died, he was twirling around in his wheel chair & Annie heard him repeatedly say, “Sojourner Truth, Sojourner Truth” with a gleeful smile. I’d like to imagine he was seeing one of her famous quotes, “I’m not going to die, I’m going home like a shooting star…”
Patti ~ Your dedication of loving and caring for John over the decades has been an inspiration. Job well done, both of you.
Debbie
Patti, Mark, Annie and Sarah:
My heart breaks for you! What a great man and neighbor!! Always a smile on his face !! Hugs, peace and prayers to you all,
Sarah and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a great man and he lived a good life surrounded by your wonderful family. I’m sure your good memories will be a comfort. Condolences and prayers for you all.
Dear Patti and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember John from our childhood, and as a healthy young man. My deepest condolences to you all.
Cookie
So proud to know this beautiful family who has carried great burdens with grace, love and dignity. I am lifting John up in prayer, glad he is freed from earthly limits. I am confident his spirit flies, free and unencumbered. Love and hugs to all who cherished John.
Patti, Mark, Annie & Sarah,
John was stronger than any able bodied person I know. May you gain strength & comfort knowing that he rests now in peace.
Hugs,
Geta
Patti — I am so sorry for your loss. You and John faced your many challenges with such grace and spirit. I know that your wonderful mother is looking down on you with great pride and love. You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts. Please take care.
Patti, Mark, Annie and Sarah,
Marco and I are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace knowing John has risen on Eagle’s Wings! We will remember John as a fun family man and a man of faith. We cherish the block parties we had early on, always at your house. Remember now, he will journey to a destination with no more pain. He will be at peace.
Marco and Linda Romero
We will always remember John’s warmth, quick smile, and gentle spirit. What an inspiration to know such a loving couple, Patti & John, and such a kindhearted family. Our thoughts are with you all.
Dear Patti, Mark, Annie, and Sarah,
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. We have such fond memories of times spent with him and your family. We are thinking of you and will be praying for you in the days ahead.
Roxanne and Armand
I am holding you and the family in my heart. I will see you Wednesday to celebrate John’s wonderful life. My God and the love of family and friends being you comfort and peace. Love you dear friend.
Dear Patti and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope it brings you comfort to know what a loving family you were to him.
Thinking of you with love,
Lois
There was only one other person in my life who ALWAYS greeted my family & I with a smile, other than my beautiful cousin Patti, and that was John. This was a happy man and his positivity rubbed off onto others. I am sorry for your loss and John will always be remembered for the wonderful person he was. Blessings to your family, Patti.
Rich Berger
Dear Patti and family, I am so sorry for your loss of John. He was an inspiration to us all and without words, taught us that everyday challenges will be concord through God’s strong will, grace and an abundance of endless love I will hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time and wish you all peace and comfort