Obituaries

 

Dorothy F. Rosik

GREEN BAY / PORTAGE -- Dorothy Florence (Caelwaerts) Rosik, age 93, of Portage, WI passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at St. Claire Meadow Care Center in Baraboo, WI surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was an amazing woman that lived a full life and is now Home with God.  Dorothy Florence (Caelwaerts) Rosik, daughter of Sophia and Clarence, was born in Suamico, WI on June 3, 1921.   She had a modest upbringing and learned how to be resourceful that continued throughout her life.  Dorothy grew up on the family farmstead (near St. Edward and Isadore Church, Flintville, WI).  Family was so important to Dorothy; she accepted a housekeeping position in Green Bay so she could earn money to send her parents or purchase items for their home.  Even though her education stopped at 8th Grade, she was able to get a position at Kraft Foods, on their brand new Velveeta cheese line.

Dorothy met her future husband, Edwin, at a jointly attended wedding.  Edwin asked her to dance to the “Blue Skirt Waltz” and their relationship began.  They started dating and his gift to her was always a single stem yellow rose.  On the morning of November 19, 1949 they were married at St. Edward and Isadore Church. In 1953, they opened Rosik’s Tavern in Denmark, WI.  Many great memories were created for themselves and others. New Year’s Eve and snowstorms were always fun at Rosik’s. While in Denmark, their faith and family were tested.  In 1966, their son, Linus (12), was tragically taken from this world and brought Home.  With their belief in God and the loving support of their family and friends, they made it through the worst time for any family.

In 1984, they sold the tavern and moved to Green Bay (Fiesta Lane).  The two of them created great friendships with their new neighbors and with those at their new parish, St. Phillip the Apostle Church. In 1986, Edwin was called to Home and Dorothy lived in there until 2011.  Because of her wonderful neighbors and family, Dorothy was able to be in the home she loved for so long.  While in Green Bay, she was a greeter for many years at Wal-Mart.  Sewing was Dorothy’s forte.  She was an expert seamstress and shared her craft with the Quilter’s Group at St. Phillips’s Church, as well as, participating in many local projects that benefited mothers and children – both here and abroad.  She sewed over 500 teddy bears for Bellin’s Cancer Unit along with numerous kimonos, birthing blankets, and cloth diapers for mission trips. Additionally, she knitted stocking caps for newborns for Bellin Hospital.  She was also a long standing member of the Catholic Woman’s Auxiliary.

In 2011, she moved to Portage, WI (Heritage House) where she transitioned quickly to her new environment and made many new friends.  She enjoyed crafting in the Activity Room.  Dorothy was always open to learning new things throughout her life.  While living at the Heritage House, she learned how to play the bells.

Dorothy is survived by two daughters and their husbands:  Kathleen and Kurt Dey (Portage, WI) and Theresa Rosik-Geurts and Chuck Geurts (Green Bay, WI).  Dorothy was blessed with two grandsons and their wonderful wives: Heith and Faith Dey (Madison, WI) and Charlie and Dana Dey (Madison, WI).  Blake Dey (Heith), Dorothy’s great grandson, was her special love.  Blake always brought her happiness and joy whenever they were together.  Dorothy is further survived by her sisters: Margaret Wesolowski (Green Bay, WI) and her youngest sister La Verne and brother-in-law, Jim La Rock, (Cecil, WI) were a very important part of her life.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, son, Linus; her parents, Sophia and Clarence Caelwaerts, her sister, Helen, and her brother, Jerome.

Dorothy is now reunited with the two special men of her life – Edwin and Linus.  Heaven has received a great angel that will be missed on earth!  Watch over us till we meet again.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl officiating.  Burial will take place in All Saints Parish Cemetery in Denmark, Wisconsin.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.  

 

Obituaries
For information please call 608 742-2126 (Portage, WI) or 608 635-2763 (Poynette, WI)