Rosalie Landgraf

Madison: Rosalie T. Landgraf, age 85, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was an amazingly strong woman who maintained her independence until the end. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her as Mom, Nana, sister and friend.
Rose was born on March 24, 1928 in Kaukauna, WI to the late John and Ella (Danen) Van De Loo. She was raised and educated in Kaukauna and proudly earned her nursing diploma from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Oshkosh, WI. in 1949. She practiced nursing in various hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities in the Oshkosh, Milwaukee, and Madison areas. Her passion to care for geriatric patients was fulfilled while she worked as Supervisor of Nurses at Dane County Hospital and Home.
As a devout Catholic, Rose was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for over 57 years. She was actively involved with the Rosary Altar Society, the funeral luncheon ministry and St. Luke's House. She practiced her service and commitment to her faith as Matthew 25:35 advises, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
In addition to becoming an RN, raising nine beautiful and successful children and spending time with her 26 grandchildren, were among her greatest accomplishments.

There was no shortage of love, her heart expanded and welcomed each new member of the family. Rose had the biggest heart of all. She modeled the importance of faith, family and friends, instilled in us responsibility, honesty and humility and showed us how to enjoy the simple things in life. Each grandchild has their own personal and quality memories of their Nana. She was their cheerleader, confidant, role model, card partner or opponent and most importantly their friend. She enjoyed going to the duck pond, Vilas Zoo and frequent trips to the cottage with her children and grandchildren. As a Mother's Day tribute in 2012, Rose was honored as the Queen of Madison.
Memories of Rose will always be cherished by her surviving children: Tom (Laurie), Julie (Pete) Walter, Bill (Peggy), Mary (Jeff) Annen, Mark (Sue), Michael, Jim (Kathy) and Pat (Kara); her 26 grandchildren; Bryan, Jason (Katie), Andy (Katie), Ben (Lacey), Katie, Lindsey, Jennifer, Jeffrey (Michelle), Matthew, Megan (Jason), Steven, Kelly, Kyle (Samantha), Rachel, Luke, Tim, Mia, Aaron, Anna, Laura, Joey, Adam, Kevin, Ryan, Jacob and Maria; and three great-grandsons. Rose is further survived by her youngest sister, Ruth Coenen, and two sisters-in-law, Pat Meyer and Mary Beth Van De Loo and many loving nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her eldest son, Dick and her siblings, Anna Marie, Leo, Mary Joan and Jim.
A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 6 on Monday, March 17 at BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH 2115 Rowley Ave., Madison, WI 53726. Fellowship, a meal and good cheer will immediately follow Mass in the church Friary.


Memorials to Blessed Sacrament, the Henry Vilas Zoo or Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.