Rosemary M. Whitson (Pehling), age 77 of Burnsville passed away on May 27, 2019.  Survived by her husband, Larry; children: Rosalie (Richard) Phillips, Anthony (Marie) Mack, Sean (LuRae) Mack, Andrew (Caitlin) Mack, and Daniel Mack; step children: LeAnn Todd and Ward (Beverilee) Whitson; grandchildren: Nathaniel (Chantelle), Joseph, Isidora, Sophia, Alexander, Olivia, Carter, Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Sebastian; siblings: Lorenz Pehling Jr., Cynthia (Robert) Dalton, Kevin (Eri) Pehling, and Chris (Dawn) Pehling; also by other loving relatives and many friends.  Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lorelei Smith.

Rosemary Pehling was born Oct 2, 1941 in Minneapolis to Mary Marchiafava and Lorenz Pehling. As a young girl, she enjoyed singing, dancing, roller skating, swimming, paper dolls and playing outside. When she was 12 years old, her mother died suddenly, devastating her and siblings, Lorelei and Lorenz Jr. Her father married Bernice Voigt who restored stability to the family. She graduated from Edison High School with the class of 1959. Despite excelling in math, she was discouraged from attending college for engineering, instead learning typing and shorthand to become a secretary for NP Railway, where her father worked. Shortly after graduating, she married John Mack and they had five children. Seeking professional challenge, she enrolled in the Control Data Technical School in 1975 to learn computer programming. She worked at Miller Publishing until she began at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN in 1977 through retirement in 2000. After her first marriage ended, she married Larry Whitson in 1985. Larry was her constant companion and bridge partner for the rest of her life. Rosemary enjoyed singing, seeing musicals, gardening, being in nature, traveling and spending time with family. Whenever the family asked what birthday present she'd like, her answer was always, "your time". She kept a busy schedule, attending the concerts and sporting events of her grandkids between fishing trips and world exploration. In November, she suffered a stroke which left her paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak. As her condition worsened, Larry became her full-time caregiver until the end. She will be forever missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Mass of Christian Burial, 11am June 4 at Risen Savior (1501 County Rd 42 E, Burnsville).  Memorial Visitation 10-11am prior to the service. condolences:www.whitefuneralhomes.com