Rosemary Mikulenka Hermes, 96, of Hallettsville, passed away in Hallettsville on Sunday, April 11, 2021.  She was born in Hallettsville, TX, to the late Joseph and Lillie (Claus), Mikulenka on December 13, 1924.  Her father died when she was only a year and four months old.  Her mother was left with four small children and times were very difficult.  Her mother allowed her loving maiden sister, Laura Claus, to raise Rosemary.  There was always, however, close contact with her mother and siblings.

On June 21, 1948 Rosemary married Henry G. Hermes in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville.  He preceded her in death on Sunday, March 31, 2001.

Rosemary graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1941 at the age of 16 and she attended Baldwin Business College in Yoakum for a year.  She applied and was accepted in August 1, 1942 as Executive Secretary to Mr. Otto Goedecke, president of Otto Goedecke, Inc. a worldwide cotton merchandising firm with headquarters located in Hallettsville.  She held this position for 30 years.  On August 1, 1972 she accepted employment with the Texas Department of Human Services.  For 19 years she was the medicaid representative for the counties of Lavaca, Gonzales, DeWitt and Victoria.  She enjoyed her employment in both positions and established many lifelong friendships with her co-workers.

After retirement in 1991, being an avid history buff, she became active as a member of the Lavaca Historical Museum of Hallettsville serving as president, treasurer and director from its establishment in September 1991.  She also was a museum tour guide and especially liked giving tours and demonstrations about "the good old days" to school children.

For relaxation Rosemary enjoyed playing monthly dominoes with the Granny Girls, as well as weekly dominoes at the Chovanetz building and in the country.  She also participated in the domino tournaments at the K. C. Hall in Hallettsville and the surrounding towns.  She has a number of trophies as evidence of her expertise.  She loved her trips to Las Vegas and Coushatta.

Rosemary enjoyed traveling and having new experiences.  She was able to travel to several states in the United States.  Some of her foreign travels included Germany, Paris France, the Czech Republic, Poland and China.

Rosemary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, KJZT Society, Lavaca Historical Museum, Lavaca County Historical Commission, American Legion Auxiliary, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Rosemary had a heart of gold.  She was always willing to help those in need, especially family members.  She always put others and their wellbeing first.  She was very wise and had a unique perspective on life.

Rosemary is survived by:  her daughters, Sharon & husband Robert Reagan of Hallettsville and Lily Kay & husband Leonard Muesse of College Station: Robert Hermes of Hallettsville; four grandchildren, Nickie & husband H. L. Kelley, Jason Muesse & wife Jenna, Justin Caskey & wife Jenna and Kyle Caskey; and six great grandchildren, Wyatt Kelley, Mattie Beth Kelley, Rylan Caskey, Abigail Muesse, Colton Muesse, Dawson Muesse; sister-in-law Irene Mikulenka; and special nieces and nephews, Ginger Klekar, Coy Rogers and Joey Mikulenka.

Rosemary was preceded in death by:  parents Joseph and Lillie Mikulenka; daughter Laura Beth Caskey; sister Lillian Rogers; two brothers, Clarence and Joseph Mikulenka; foster sister-in-law Della Valigura Mikulenka; son-in-law I. E. Valenta; two special aunts, Laura Claus and Hulda Claus Bowles; and two special cousins, Lynndel Bowles Vasek and William Bowles.

Funeral Mass Service (All attendees must wear masks): 2 pm, Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hallettsville, TX; with visitation starting at 12:30 pm; and rosary starting at 1:30 pm. Pallbearers: Justin Caskey, Eddie Klekar, Scott Klekar, Coy Rogers, Greg Hermes, H. L. Kelley and Everett Bludau. Honorary Pallbearers: Kyle Caskey, Jason Muesse, Nickie Kelley, Joey Mikulenka, Eddie Klekar and Priscilla Klekar. Officiant: Msgr. Jim Henke. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School Operation Fund, Lavaca, Historical Museum or Donor's Choice. Burial: St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Breslau community, Lavaca County.