Rosie V. Grode

Rose Mary “Rosie” Grode, age 81, of Freedom, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, with her family by her side. She was born on December 15, 1934, daughter of Adrian and Ella (Guerts) Van Rossum. On June 8, 1954, she married Wayne E. Grode at St. Nicholas Church, Freedom. Rosie was a member of St. Nicholas Church her entire life.

Rosie worked in the Customer Service industry most of her life. In her most recent years, she was an employee of Country Inn & Suites and had it been her choice, she would have been working until her very last breath. She loved greeting and serving her hotel guests and as a result, she received many service awards.

Rosie also enjoyed lunch with the gals from her S.O.S. Club and spending time with family; especially the annual 4th of July party “up-north”.  She always loved to keep busy and most of all, enjoyed her customers no matter what position she was in. She was very proud of being able to make a difference in the lives of others and she undoubtedly did that with every single person she encountered.

Rosie is survived by her children: Bob (Joan) Grode and their children, Matt (Sue) Delaney, Jake Grode and Tara (friend Michael) Grode. Ross (friend Missy) Grode and his children; Nichole (Mike) Keast, Sebastian, Sasha (friend Ron), Satiana (friend Joseph) and Shawnie. Brenda (Brad) Schuler and their children Hunter Sprague (fiance' Bob), Jonathan Sprague (friend Nastassja), Miles Schuler and Emma Schuler. She is further survived by five great grandchildren; a sister, Bernice Dercks (friend Jim); brothers: Don (Mary) Van Rossum, Ron (Barb) Van Rossum, and Gene (Sue) Van Rossum; a sister-in-law, Carol Van Rossum; a brother-in-law, Mike Arnoldussen; In-Laws: Ken (Carol) Grode, Sherry Wynboom, Gene Grode; Godchildren: Ed Grode, Mark Grode, Rick Dercks, John Van Rossum, Bruce Van Rossum, Lynn Krenz, and Nichole Keast; her best friend, Jean Fox; and many other relatives including nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents: Adrian and Ella (Geurts) Van Rossum; a sister, LaVerne Arnoldussen; a brother Jim Van Rossum; In-laws: Edmund (Mildred West) Grode, Roger Dercks, Brian (Marion Micke) Grode; a niece, Emby Verhagen; and her wonderful Godparents, Gerald (Leona Geurts) Gerrits.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, September 19, 2016, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom, and again on Monday morning directly at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Special thanks to Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology, Theda Care Cancer Center, Theda Care at Home and Heritage Hospice House for all of the exceptional care she received.

Much love to the many family members and friends that sent cards, spent time with her and prayed for her. She greatly appreciated each and every one of you. 

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