Fern W. Roesch

Fern W. Roesch died peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, friends, and cats (Smudge and Mitzi) on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in Indianapolis, IN at the age of 98. She is survived by her children, Christine A. Carey (John), Susan L. McDowell (Kevin), Robin R. Marks (Thomas), Edward F. Roesch, daughter-in-law Julie A. Roesch, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. F. Roesch, and her brother, George M. Messmer. She was born on May 27, 1916 in Munich, Germany to Maria Porzelt and Michael Arieff. She immigrated to the United States with her brother George in 1929, and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1934. She was an honors graduate from Indiana University in 1938, where she was a proud member of Delta Zeta Sorority, an affiliation she supported throughout her life. She met her knight in shining armor, Edward J. F. Roesch, while working for Hook Drug Company. When she landed a job as a translator at Eli Lilly & Company, Edward made his move to make Fern his bride, and they were married in 1941, enjoying over 57 years of wedded bliss. Fern enjoyed numerous activities. She learned how to play golf so she could see her husband on weekends, and honed her skills to become quite good at the game. As a couple, they regularly played bridge and bowled in the Rotary league. They were also known to have played a few hands of poker. They travelled extensively in Europe, including Greece, Russia and Germany, her beloved homeland, where she delighted in visiting with relatives and friends. Fern loved a party, and for years she hosted Christmas open houses at her home. She also made sure milestone events were celebrated in grand fashion. She had a lifelong passion for animals. She never met an animal she didn't want to feed—nor any guest in her home, for that matter! She was an early member of the Indianapolis Zoo Guild, and continued her love for the Indianapolis Zoo with lifelong support. She loved the orangutans, especially Rocky, who clearly adored her. She had been active in her support of numerous animal organizations, and was known by neighbors as "the lady who warms up food for the raccoons" (aka "The Cookie Lady"). Chocolate chip cookies with M&M's, affectionately known as "Grandma cookies," were baked on a regular basis such that no guest or service person left the house without some. Fern was particularly proud of the George Messmer Memorial Scholarships that she established to honor the memory of her brother, who also graduated from Tech. These scholarships were awarded to two deserving seniors graduating from Arsenal Technical High School with plans to attend college. Fern was a charter member of St. Matthew Parish, where she was active and enjoyed lifelong friendships. She was a strong supporter of the Indianapolis Children's Museum and Conner Prairie Farm, among numerous other entities, and shared her husband's love and support of the Boys Scouts of America. She also maintained active and lively ties to the German community in Indianapolis, and continued to support the Athenaeum and the Liederkranz, where she enjoyed great times and more than a few beers. She loved her home and spent countless hours gardening. She had great taste in the area of interior design, which served her well during a number of remodeling projects of her home. She was loved and cherished by friends and neighbors who deeply enriched her life. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the loving care and dedication shown to Fern from her dear companion, Judy Collins, and all of the angels at Huser HomeCare who made it possible for her to remain in her home until God called her to His heavenly home.