Jeanine Rothermel’s Catholic Legacy 

 

null“Jeanine lived a very simple and organized life,” said Sandy Stacy, Pastoral Care Minister at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and  School in Des Moines.  “She was a determined woman.”

Jeanine L. Rothermel was born on May 27, 1930 with a profound hearing impairment.  She learned to lip read and went to the School for Deaf after graduating from high school in Des Moines.  Her lip reading skills offered her the chance to pick up secretarial skills and she worked as an Administrative Assistant in the insurance industry for decades.

“Jeanine appreciated organization, cleanliness, and efficiency.  She was a valued employee thanks to these characteristics along with her office skills,” said Stacy.

Rothermel joined Holy Trinity in 1961 and was a faithful member until her death on July 4, 2020 – 59 years later.

“She inherited her Mother’s Faith.  Her favorite prayer was the Lord’s Prayer.  When she no long could attend church due to her failing health and eyesight, Jeanine looked forward to receiving Communion in her room at Calvin Community,” said Stacy.

“She was faithful to the end, always attending Mass when we had it at Calvin Community,” said Father Mark Neal, Pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School in Des Moines. 

Rothermel’s Catholic faith was her guide when she considered her estate plans and her Catholic legacy.  Her estate will benefit her parish, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Joseph Educational Center, and the Diocese of Des Moines Deaf Ministry. 

“Thanks to her economizing ways and frugality, she was able to gift us generously,” said Stacy.

“Rothermel’s deep faith and stewardship will make an impact across the Diocese now and well into the future,” said Maureen Kenney, Director of Stewardship for the Diocese of Des Moines.  “A young camper attending Catholic Youth Camp this summer at the St. Thomas More Center would not be able to attend without an American Sign Language Interpreter. Jeanine’s gift will make that assistance possible and share the love of Christ through her legacy,” she added.

The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa facilitates all planned gifts on behalf of our Diocese. They would love to visit with you and help you understand just how easy making that promise can truly be. Call the planned giving office at 515-237-5080.