Rose M. Schoen

Rose Mary Schoen, 70, of Eau Claire, WI passed away on March 21, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her husband, Peter and 3 step-children. Her passing was peaceful and pain free; her comfort now complete.

Rose was born on March 1, 1953, in Arcadia, WI to Everett and Lorretta (Korpal) Slaby. Growing up in Arcadia, Rose enjoyed the benefits of small-town life. She grew up enjoying fishing and car rides with her dad. Rose had many memorable family vacations in both Bayfield and Chetek, WI, as well as trips out west. There were fond memories of going out to eat at the Hot Fish Shop in Winona with family. Graduating from Arcadia High School in 1971, Rose enjoyed participating as a wrestling cheerleader during this time. After high school, Rose attended Western Wisconsin Technical College, graduating in the 1st class offered there for surgical technicians. During these early years after high school, Rose spent many weeks and weekends camping out on sandbars on the Mississippi River. She and her close friend Anne would canoe across the main channel and enjoy time on the river islands.

Following graduation, Rosie, as most people knew her, began work as a surgical technician in St. Francis, WI for 3 years. After, Rose then began working at Sacred Heart Hospital in the operating room for the next 25 years.

In 1987 she met Peter Schoen, an anesthetist working in the operating room. They married on July 19,1991. Rose accepted Peter’s three children, Anna, Joseph, and John as her own and was a strong force in raising them to success. Rosie was an avid t-ball, soccer, baseball, basketball, wrestling and gymnastics mom. She strongly encouraged the kid’s participation and was always so proud of their accomplishments!

Rose’s list of interests was endless. She was an artist in many areas. Her creativity knew no bounds. She was a self-taught knitter and crocheter. Rose inherited the gambling bug honestly from her parents and enjoyed visiting casinos. She also enjoyed thrift sales and became the collector of many things – again a trait passed along from her parents. Being outside in her summer garden, among lawn ornaments was a love of hers. Rose loved her dogs. They were a big part of her life, and no one cared for them better as they aged. Chloe and Nala eagerly waited to be united with her again.

Rose’s mother and father were very important to her, as were her sister, Cynthia, and brother Gary. She visited them often. Rose stayed in especially close contact with her mom, calling her every day until she was unable to. She also loved being an aunt and great aunt – always interested in their lives, wellbeing, and successes. And most of all, she loved being a grandma to Kylo, Eli, and Liza. She spoiled them endlessly with gifts and love. Each had their own handmade baby blankets, along with other crafts of her own hand. Rose was so hoping to meet “Kenny”, the newest grandchild due in June, but it was not meant to be. She did learn his real name prior to passing and kept that close to her heart.

Rose and Peter spent the last many years as a happy “old couple”. Going out for lunch was a frequent event and Rose had her favorite spots. Scenic truck rides into the country to give her “crop reports” and check fall colors. Built over a lifetime, the relationship was close and loving. Never a bedtime without “Good night, I love you. See you in the morning” spoken to one another. Each had their opportunity as caretaker for one another during health issues faced over the last 10 years. The support and care for one another unwavering.

Rose moved through life at her own pace, as anyone who ever tried to take a walk with her will attest to. There were so many things to see and contemplate. Although tiny in stature and physical strength, her spiritual strength and resolve were giant. It was this determination that sustained her all her life and carried her through the trials that throat cancer and other health issues placed upon her. She believed strongly in the power of prayer.

Rose’s influences on others were many. She touched so many people during her life. Rose will be sorely missed by her husband of 31+ years, children, family, friends, close neighbors, and her puzzle buddy. All gave her care in the last years of life.

Rose entered hospice care February 13, 2023 after her last hospitalization. The realization being that she could no longer fight the good fight. She had the strength to say enough is enough! She carried herself with dignity and grace to the end. Many thanks to Mayo Health Systems for the excellent care Rose received during her cancer journey. Special thanks to the cancer center, palliative care, and hospice care who all helped in her last year of life.

Rose is survived by her husband Peter, stepchildren Anna (Jovon), Joe (Sara), and John (Kristi), grandchildren Kylo, Eli, Liza, sister Cynthia, brother Gary (Betty), nieces Sally (Eric), Jenny (Lance), Gina, nephew Arin (Colleen), great nieces Nicole, Megan (Eric), Marlee and Brodi, great nephew Brandon.

She was preceded in death by her father, Everett, and mother, Lorretta, as well as her brother-in-law Dave Schreiber.

A visitation and celebration of life with family and friends will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at Hulke Family Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, on Friday, April 14, 2023.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.