Johanna Maria Roesch

Johanna Maria Roesch, 83, passed from this life on
July 1, 2008, after battling a long illness.

Mrs. Roesch was born in Hannover and lived in Germany for the first 21 years of her life. During the 8 years prior to emigrating to America, Johanna suffered greatly under the regime of Hitler. From the age of 13, she was forced to engage in strenuous physical labor to support herself. She lost many family members during the war. Her health suffered throughout her life because of these difficulties in her early years. Her strength, courage, and faith helped her overcome this adversity bringing her to the United States in 1946 as a holocaust survivor.

Mrs. Roesch married Mr. John Archer "Buddy" Roesch in 1950 and from that time on dedicated herself to her husband and children. She moved numerous times with her husband, a United States serviceman, each time creating a comfortable, elegant environment for her family. In September of 1971, they moved to Marietta where she has resided happily for 37 years. Her love for traveling abroad did not end. Whether traveling within the United States, Germany, Holland, Italy, or to the supermarket, Johanna made friends wherever she happened to be.

As her children grew older and moved away from the home, Mrs. Roesch became very involved with her church. A life-long Roman Catholic, Johanna spent many, many hours at church attending Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and other events. She enjoyed provided spiritual fellowship to others. Her spirituality was an inspiration to everyone and provided comfort as her illness progressed.

Johanna is survived by her husband, Buddy, of 58 years. She leaves behind five children: a daughter, Nancy Chisholm of Dallas, Georgia; and four sons, Victor Roesch of South Lyons, Michigan, Robert Roesch of Marietta, Georgia, Gregory Roesch of Eastoanollee, Georgia, and David Roesch of Aragon, Georgia. Also surviving are a sister, Jolanthe Weeks of Tucson, Arizona; and two brothers, John Dale of Rossville, Georgia and Peter Dale of Waynesville, Ohio. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, who she was known to them as Oma.

In celebration of her life, friends and family are invited to Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Georgia from 5 pm - 8 pm Saturday and 5 pm - 7 pm Sunday, July 5th and 6th. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7 pm on Sunday and will include praying the Rosary. Friends and family will be invited at this time to remember Mrs. Roesch in eulogy. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 7th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Dallas, Georgia. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 10 am. The funeral Holy Mass will be celebrated at 11 am. Internment will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, at 2 pm.

Mrs. Roesch was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Clark Funeral Home, Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.samclarkfuneral.com