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Obituary For Michael Rosenmarkle
Michael “Mike” Nelson Ward Rosenmarkle Jr.,77, of Chapel Hill (Durham County) died suddenly and unexpectedly at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill on June 18, 2020 as a result of complications from a severe hemorrhagic stroke.
He was born in Cumberland, MD on September 21, 1942, the son of Mary Catherine and Nelson Ward Rosenmarkle. He graduated from Groveton High School in Alexandria, VA, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from High Point University in High Point, NC. He was a United States Navy Veteran, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and received the National Defense Service Medal for honorable active duty service in the United States and Iceland during the Vietnam War. He also served in the United States Naval Reserves for many years, both in high school and after his active duty service.
After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Mike took graduate courses in mathematics and computer programming at San Diego State University, North Carolina State University, and Duke University. After earning his Teaching Certificate, he taught math and served as a Housemaster-Advisor, assistant varsity basketball coach, and tennis coach at The Choate School in Wallingford, CT (1972-74).
Mike served as a Budget Analyst for the City of Durham (1974-75), MIS Director for the City of Durham (1975-1977), and Management Consultant (1977-95). He retired as a Network Administrator from UNC–Chapel Hill’s Printing department (1995-2004). After retirement, he and his wife, Kay, enjoyed traveling to many places in the U.S. and abroad.
In 1983, Mike and Kay were married at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham when Kay’s daughter, Kelly, was 8 years old. “Markle” became like a father to Kelly and was very involved in her upbringing. He was loved by all and active in Kelly’s school activities, Girl Scout adventures, slumber parties, Debutante Ball, and get-togethers with friends. Later he became a grandfather, “Pop”, to Kelly and her husband Adam’s children, Jake and Riley, who brought him a great amount of pride and joy.
Mike was a loving brother, uncle, husband, father, brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather, and a willing companion for any adventure. He enjoyed traveling, reading science fiction books, snorkeling, snow skiing, games/puzzles on his computer, playing games with friends and family, attending performances at DPAC, socializing with his friends and neighbors, and watching Duke football and basketball games. He enjoyed weekly yoga and exercise classes at the Durham Center for Senior Life, where he made many friends.
He was of the Catholic faith, and attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham with his wife, Kay, where he served as an Usher “Extraordinaire”, and Offering Counter. He participated in many WPC church mission trips to Eastern NC after Hurricane Floyd and to D’Iberville, MS after Hurricane Katrina, helping those places rebuild. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Durham, was a Durham CROP Walk participant, and an American Red Cross donor.
He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Jane, who died at age 24; and his brothers John and Eddy. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Kay Rosenmarkle of the home; daughter Kelly Keadey, son-in-law Adam Keadey, and grandchildren Jake and Riley Keadey, all of Hillsborough NC; sister Mary Ann Baker (Rex) of Corona, CA; aunt Lorretta Lippold of Cumberland MD, two sisters-in-law Judy Rosenmarkle of Pensacola, FL and Barbara Rosenmarkle of Spindale, NC; many cousins; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their families.
Mike was a kind, friendly, fun, playful, helpful, humble, gracious, generous, and gentle man, and a friend to all he met. He was admired for his warm and inviting personality. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the UNC Hospital Emergency Department and Neuroscience ICU team who provided excellent care for Mike during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. The family is especially grateful to the hospital staff for arranging an in person visit for Kay and Kelly to say their goodbyes to Mike. His family will never forget the kind and compassionate care Mike received.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a memorial service will not be held until family and friends are able to safely gather together at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham to remember and give thanks to God for Mike’s life. The date and time of that service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity of Durham http://www.durhamhabitat.org/donate or the American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/
The family is being assisted by American Cremation and Funeral Service in Durham. View the online Guest Book at https://americancremationservices.net/ Search for Rosenmarkle.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceSo sad to hear of Uncle Mike's passing. Your family in Pensacola, Florida has you in our thoughts and prayers Aunt Kay! He was such an awesome person and accomplished so many things in his life ♡
Dear Kay, Kelley, and family. On behalf of Ashley, Laurin and our families, we are sending our sympathies. Mike was such a great guy and I know he will be missed by you, your family, friends, and the Westminister Presbyterian Church. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Hugs! Sincerely, Michele Smith
Kay and family, we are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing and please know that all of you are in ours prayers. We hope the wonderful memories of Mike and his extraordinary life sustain you in this sad time and that your faith comforts and keeps you strong. The Bartons
I regret that I did not get to know Mike better, but I will always remember the warm and friendly smile he shared with me every time I saw him at church. We are holding you all in our hearts and keeping you in our prayers. Best, Mary Rand Harward & Family
Kay,Kelly and family, I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. You and he were such a blessing to me in finding and managing the Offering Counters for so many years. I will be praying for you in the coming days as you begin to encounter the new normal for your lives without Mike. Fondly, Barbara Fletcher
A wonderful man. So glad we shared part of his life with the Westminster family of faith. May God continue to comfort you and your family as you remember.
Kay, according to my scant knowledge of you and your husband, via the Web, I am most blessed to have had both of you in my acquaintance. My heart and my mind go to sincere prayer and this writing to say I wish the very best for you in the coming days and years. Your Husband will be with you every moment of every day, present in your memories. Last Monday at 4:12 AM I lost my very best, exceptionally close, friend of 45+ years. With respect for you, please accept my condolence in behalf of your Husband's passing.
Hi Kay and family. I didn't get a chance to know him well but I Can tell He must have been an outstanding person from what I read in his life story. I am sorry for your loss during this extraordinary time in this world and I hope your good memories of mike will give you comfort Linda Spallone
Kay I enjoyed this beautiful obituary of Mike. He was clearly a guy who blessed many many lives and wish I could have met him! Prayers of comfort for you, your daughter and all of those who loved him!!
Our love to you, Kay just now. May God hold you close with His love & strength. Charley & Chomel Ogilvie6Q
My thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. Praying a special prayer that God will send his most majestic angels down from heaven to be the "Wing Beneath Your Wings." He was such a special man and he surely will be missed by all. Love to you and your family! Lynn Smith Pope
Kay, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's death. Although I have not really kept in touch over the years, I still consider you a friend and extend my deepest sympathy. Fondly, Vicky
So sad to read about Mike's death. We have not seen each other since high school. Reading his incredible life story, I see our paths crossed many times as I live in Chapel Hill. He helped me thru the rough days in High school. He had a big heart!! Please let me know when the service will be....uncldcky@gmail.com.
Bonnie and I are chagrined to learn of the death of a true gentleman, friend, and fellow churchman. We have known Mike for decades and have worshiped with him and his wife and his daughter throughout that time. We occasionally exchanged conversation about basketball and sPHDESRchool, and he never failed to inquire about Pete's health. Mike will be sorely missed by everyone who has known him, and his passing too early will cause many to examine their own mortality. Yet their abiding faith will sustain the entire family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
