Maureen Elizabeth Poetsch

Maureen (Minster) Poetsch, 89, of Rochester, died peacefully at home on November 24, 2016.
Born September 13, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois, to Wade and Mary (Brown) Minster, she was raised with younger brothers, Wade and David, on Chicago's south side, where her father owned a dry-cleaning/tailoring business.
In 1945, Maureen graduated 5th in her class from Hirsch High School, was elected to National Honor Society, and worked after school at Jackson Park Hospital pharmacy.
After high school, Maureen was employed for two years at Republic Steel as typist/stenographer. From 1947 to 1953, she was secretary to the regional Vice President of Standard Electric Time.
There she met her future husband, Robert G. Poetsch. The couple married on Valentine's Day, 1953 and raised two children. Maureen instilled in her children a life-long love of reading, music and travel. She taught responsible, ethical and compassionate behavior by example.
Relocating to Naperville, Illinois in 1967, she encouraged her children to pursue their dreams and attend college. At age 46 Maureen embarked on her own college education, studying Fine Arts at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. There she collaborated on the design and execution of a two-ton ceramic mural. She wrote: "I found the creative outlets I needed and was awakened to a desire not to limit my joy in living. I took chances and lived fearlessly. I did not settle for being ordinary."
Maureen relocated to Rochester, Minnesota with her two children in 1987, following her divorce. She became a writer and published poet. Her genealogy research of her Scots-Irish roots culminated in "Search for Cairney Hill".
Maureen will be remembered as a nurturing mother, gifted creative artist, storyteller and poet, with an ability to set people at ease with engaging conversation and a sense of humor.
She is survived by her children, Roberta and James Poetsch, of Rochester. They will carry her in their hearts forever.
At family's request, there will be no services or visitation. Online condolences are welcome at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com Memorials to Elder Network or Rochester Public Library.