Amazing Residents of Brentwood: Part 2

Rosemarie Schweizer was born March 20, 1929. She was born a Brentwoodian.  Her parents owned the “small house” at 2510 High School Drive where Rosemarie started her life. Not long after Rosemarie came along they built the “big house” at 2512 High School Drive. So there on High School Drive she spent her growing-up days. You could say Brentwood is in her blood.

As time moved on, Rosemarie attended Brentwood Grade School #1 for 1^st through 5^th grades. The old school was located at the corner of Brentwood & Litzsinger where Walgreens now stands. It’s stately playground with the big swing is a wonderful memory of those who were fortunate enough to play there. Mark Twain School, at the end of St. Clair St., was her next stop for grades 6 through 8. Then on to Fraiser School for 9^th grade, as there were too many GIRLS to move them to the High School, so the girls got segregated education for a year. When they were able to move on to Brentwood High School the next year, Rosemarie felt they were actually better prepared for school, as they had that extra year to make adjustments before “real high school”

One of Rosemarie’s favorite memories is that of the annual School Picnic. She played the French Horn and that gave her a special privilege.  The band would lead the school parade down Brentwood Blvd. to the street car stop at the corner of Brentwood at Russell Ave. The whole school would then board the Street Car for the ride to “The Highlands”, a wonderful, dream filled fun-park for their picnic day. Picnic Day was one of the highlights she shared each year with her best friend Peggy (Jones) Moekel.  Rosemarie and Peggy kept a close relationship from first grade until graduation from Brentwood High School in 1947.  They stayed friends as they moved on in life and are dear friends to this day.

Rosemarie went to work at Fruend’s Bakery in the office. She married …… Kornfeld in 19… When the first little Kornfeld came along, she chose to stay home to raise the children. The children turned out to be five (5) BOYS! Four of the boys graduated from Brentwood High School. One of the boys graduated from Litzsinger School. All the boys became successful, productive members of their communities. Dan just happens to be a Facility Supervisor for Brentwood Parks & Recreation.  (By the way, BP&R has the best Softball Leagues, Hockey Leagues and Volleyball Leagues in St. Louis! Call Dan @ 314-963-8689 for more information!)

As the boys grew up, moving away from the nest to fly on their own, Rosemarie found it time to go back to work. She spent hours volunteering for the March of Dimes charity for research to stop birth defects. Her relentless work earned her an offer to be the Mother’s March of Dimes Coordinator. She took the life consuming job for five (5) years. During those years, she earned accolades for her dedication to the cause. Rosemarie truly believes in service to others.

It was time for Rosemarie to move on to a less life consuming job. She took the position of receptionist and assistant accountant at Marsh Engineering in Brentwood. She stayed with the company for twenty-two (22) years. She enjoyed her job but… Finally at seventy-five (75) years young, she decided to retire from her paid position.  

There was more to be done! This sharp “young” lady helped organize the Brentwood Alumni Association. She called ALL of the Class of 1947. She has held office in the association from the beginning. The alumni group has grown! They reach out to the community. They provide scholarships. So Rosemarie has been an asset to not only the Alumni Association, but also the City of Brentwood.