Rose Straetz

January 2, 1934 - May 6, 2019

Rose Straetz, Passed away suddenly, but peacefully at her home on Monday May 6, 2019 at the age of 85. Daughter of Lela (Maurice) Mortimer and Cornelius Gillespie of Janesville. Devoted wife of John “Hunts” Straetz of Glidden. Loving mother of Tonya (Ron) Ste.Marie of Radisson, Yvonne Soulier of Mellen, Mark (Laurie) Soulier of Shell Lake, Philip Soulier of Mellen, and Scott (Joanne) Straetz of Park Falls. Grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Sister of: Corrine (Jesse) Wakefield of Footville, Patricia Townsend of Friendship, Janice Scuddy of Janesville, Karolyn (Carl) Pollock of Mauston, and Sherry (Gus) Helling of Janesville. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John “Hunts” Straetz, her granddaughter Crystal Soulier, and (3)brothers: Edward Gillespie, Willy Mortimer, and Joe Mortimer. Rose was born and raised in Janesville. She moved to Glidden and married Hunts, where she lived life to the fullest for many, many years. She was very active in her church and the VFW. After Hunts passed away she moved to Spooner to be close to her children and grandchildren. She was very active in volunteering for fundraisers and pow-wows for the kids, and always cooking and helping in the kitchen. Rose was always happy, joyful, and cared that everyone around her was happy. She loved to cook and she probably spent half of her life in the kitchen. She made the best brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Rose loved to fish and just sit by the water for hours. She never forgot a birthday and she made sure that everyone received a card. She was devoted to her family and was our “Rock” and an inspiration to us all. She was kind, loving, strong, humble, independent, and very stubborn. Rose only saw the positive in people and with that she led a very happy life. With all of her health set-backs, she always got up and started again. Her body was aging, but she was always young at heart. Rose touched the hearts of all who knew her in her own very special way. She is loved by all and she loved us all even more. A memorial service will be held on Monday May 13, 2019 at 11:00am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden. Fr. Papy Reddy will officiate. Interment will follow at Most Precious Blood Catholic Cemetery in Glidden. A visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00am until the hour of the service. The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.novitzkefuneralhome.com