Teresa Brownsberger

(From Dickey Funeral Home)

Teresa Elizabeth (Koch) Brownsberger passed away at Vintage Park in Louisburg, Kansas, on September 13, 2023 at the golden age of 104. She was born July 21, 1919 to Albert and Teresa (Witzel) Koch of Montrose, Henry County, Missouri.

Her German grandfather, John Peter Koch, arrived in America by steamship in 1868 and eventually settled on a farm three miles west of Germantown, Missouri. This was the very farm where Teresa grew up with her parents and seven siblings.

Between 1937-1941, she worked in Kansas City at various housework and childcare jobs alternating between working in the city and returning to help on her parent’s farm.

During World War II, Teresa did her part as a Rosie the Riveter. From 1942-1943, she worked at the Vendo Company in Kansas City assembling radar detection systems and electronic equipment. Then from 1943-1945, she worked at the Pratt & Whitney aircraft plant where she helped build engines for fighter jets destined for the war.

As World War II came to a close, Teresa married her husband of 62 years, Andrew Joseph Brownsberger, Jr. at St. Ludger’s Catholic Church in Germantown, Missouri on August 28, 1945. They had six children. She and Andrew lived on a farm northeast of Spruce, Missouri, for over six decades raising cattle, hogs, chickens, horses, milking cows, and growing numerous grain and row crops. She always raised a big vegetable garden and tended her fruit tree orchard.

Teresa was elected and served as a Tax Assessor and Collector for Deepwater Township in Bates County during the late 1970s. She served for about 8 years finishing in 1984.

She faithfully attended St. Ludger’s Catholic Church in Germantown, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose, and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville. When younger, she was an active member of the Altar Sodality.

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, all her brothers and sisters, and their spouses.

Survivors include two sons: Paul Joseph Brownsberger (Cynthia) of Pleasant Hill, and Gereon John Brownsberger (Tina) of Lockwood; four daughters: Margaret Ann Bradshaw (Robert) of Harrisonville, Martha Mary Lawton (Donald) of Flower Mound, Texas, Virginia Louise Svatos of Basehor, Kansas, and Edith Ellen Prinds (Jerry) of Louisburg, Kansas; one sister-in-law: Joan Munsterman of Appleton City, Missouri; 11 grandchildren: Rebecca, Christopher, Patric, Susan, Jamie, Kevan, Thomas, Jason, Bradley, Joseph and Alex; 19 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Teresa was a very loving and giving wife who thoroughly enjoyed her family. Her six children would tell you that her greatest role in life was that of Mother.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Montrose, Missouri with internment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Montrose, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Montrose, Missouri.

Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Montrose, Missouri.