Rosemary Clarice Stalsberg

Rosemary Clarice Stalsberg passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Benedictine Manor in La Crosse. She was born on May 21, 1927, to George and Helen (Bushek) Wettstein in their farmstead home in La Crosse County. On August 15, 1945, she was united in marriage to Ernest A. Stalsberg at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse.

We celebrate Rose’s life with joy and thankful hearts for the strength and grace with which she lived and loved life. A loving wife, mother, grand and great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she gave generously and selflessly in her relationships and fully enjoyed her time with each person in her life. Rose valued her faith and trusted in God to guide her daily in providing a happy home secure in love and gentle discipline. She was dedicated to raising honest, responsible, and hard-working children who got along with each other. She supported her children in their education, music lessons, and athletic activities. Rose cherished family picnics and celebrations, always ready to dance a polka or waltz with Ernie. She lovingly welcomed as her own the sons and daughters-in-law who married into her family and was ever thankful for God’s blessings. Rose enjoyed sewing, knitting, and painting ceramic pieces. She cleaned homes before working for many years in the cafeteria at Gundersen Health. She belonged to Saint Anne’s PCCW at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and volunteered for parish events. After retiring, Rose volunteered with RSVP, sewing hundreds of children’s surgical caps for local hospitals, knitting caps and scarves for donations, and helping at Community Theater events, Riverfest, and Oktoberfest. In all things, she was humble and kind, making good friends along the way. Her countless hours of volunteering earned her the prestigious President’s Award for Volunteerism.

She is survived by 7 children and 7 in-laws, Jack Clappier, Whitefish Bay, WI, Bonnie Murray of West Salem, WI, Dennis (Cindy) Stalsberg of La Crosse, Janice Stalsberg of Hokah, MN, Susan Schultz of La Crosse, Kent (Marie) Stalsberg of Vancouver, WA, Kevin (Barb) Stalsberg of White Bear Lake, MN, Kay (Dale) Carmichael of Cottage Grove, WI, and Tim (Shelly) Stalsberg of La Crosse; 31 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, who passed away July 14, 2001; a son, Jeff, who passed away on September 1, 2002; a daughter, Sharon Clappier, who passed away May 28th, 2023; son-in-law, Steve Murray, who passed away July 5, 2018; and son-in-law, Mike Schultz, who passed away October 13, 2023.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1417 13th St. S., La Crosse, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM with Father Rick Roberts officiating. Burial will follow the mass at La Crosse Catholic Cemetery, 519 Losey Blvd. So., La Crosse, WI. Memorials can be made to RSVP or Holy Trinity Catholic Church.