Josefina "Josie" Tuemler, 78, of Edgewood, Kentucky, was such a devout Catholic that she chose to return to God on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019 after battling ALS and stubborness.

Josie was born March 21, 1941 in the Philippines. In keeping with her truly independent spirit, she moved to the United States in 1967 and became a citizen in 1970 through her work visa with St. Elizabeth Hospital.  Soon after, she married John Joseph "Joe" Tuemler and built a family together in Edgewood.  

Josie spent most of her work career as a medical technologist for St. E's and then Jewish Hospital.  Before retiring, she worked for American Airlines' reservations office in Cincinnati which sparked years of many adventures through her extensive travels around the world.  

Josie is predeceased by her parents Captain Simplicio and Teodora Ilagan and brother, Romualdo Ilagan.

Josie is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Joe Tuemler; 2 daughters, Yvonne Tuemler-Holyoke (David Holyoke) and Melissa Tuemler; 5 grandchildren that she adored: Jordan, Eva, Elissa, Brennan, and Emma; her sister, Emma Ilagan.  In God's loving care, Josie leaves behind lifelong friends in the Philippines and the USA, and everywhere in between; treasured nieces, nephews, and in-laws; CRO friends; friends from the hospital days; mahjong friends; her caregivers, and many more.

Mom was a strong, determined and a fiercely independent woman. We will miss her every day!

Josie's favorite color was yellow.  Please honor her by wearing her favorite color, if you wish, to her visitation at Saint Pius X Church in Edgewood on Saturday, February 1st at 9am, followed by 10am funeral Mass, and then reception at Mulligan Hall afterwards. Private burial ceremony will be held at Saint Mary's Cemetery.