Rosemarie I (Ertl) Knopf

Rosemarie I Ertl Knopf of Collings Lakes, NJ passed away peacefully with loving family by her side late Wednesday evening, October 4, 2023, at Jefferson Hospital in Washington Twp, NJ. She was born June 3, 1937 in pre-war Germany and was 86 years young. Following the passing of her beloved husband, Manfred, in 2019, she lived independently in their long-time home of 50 years in Collings Lakes until suffering complications from her battle with cancer. “Rosie” or “Oma” moved from Germany to the US via Canada in the mid-1960’s, and was known for her contagious positive attitude and spirit. She befriended almost anyone she met, even in her final days. Always smiling and undeniably modest, she loved to help others, and had a way of making people smile with her quick wit and sense of humor. Her cute, distinct German accent mesmerized everyone she talked to, always leading to great conversations. Known as “Queen of the Chicken Dance,” she never missed a chance to dance at any celebration, especially to her favorites Rod Stewart and Pitbull! She enjoyed nature and feeding her wild pet chipmunk, “Alvin,” and traveling, though her favorite trips were down to the casinos with her neighbor and “bestie,” Darlene Losch, always blaming her car for taking them there on its own. She loved watching Hallmark movies and “her” Phillies, Eagles, and Tiger Woods play. Earlier in her life she was a stay-at-home mom, but worked at Eaton Corporation in Hi-Nella, NJ for over 20 years until retiring in 2001. She was predeceased by her brother Horst Ertl; sister Ingrid Schickling; and husband, Manfred Knopf. She is survived by her sister Monika Schickling; brother Hans Ertl and his wife, June; daughter, Diana Italiano; son, Peter Knopf, and his wife, Nicole; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private family gathering will be held in the near future to celebrate her wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting supporting Sidney-Kimmel Cancer Center.

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