Rose Gustafson

Rose Ann Gustafson, 86, of Chippewa Falls, completed her journey here on earth Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 18, 1931 at home in the town of Eagle Point to Emma (King) and James Popple. She graduated from Chi-Hi, class of 1949. After high school, Rose worked as a nurse’s assistant at the Rutledge Home.

On November 28, 1950, Rose married Perry Gustafson in Jim Falls. They resided in Chippewa Falls where Rose worked at the canning factory. Once she and Perry started a family, Rose stayed home to raise their children. When her children were grown, she worked at various businesses in the area. Including, working as a cook at Four Corners and the Chippewa Manor for many years.

In her younger years, Rose enjoyed dancing at the Pines Ballroom in Bloomer. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening, and canning. Her and Perry enjoyed getting together with relatives to play cards and spent summer months at the cottage on Popple Lake. She will be forever remembered for her quick wit, love for animals, but mostly the love she had for her family. She took care of everyone. From her siblings, their children, her children and grandchildren…her love for them was boundless and there wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for each one of them. Her family and faith were the keys to her contentment.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls. Perry & Rose instilled their faith in God to their children.

She will be deeply missed by her seven children: Richard “Gus” of Chippewa Falls, Denise (Walter) Schneider of Eau Claire, Diane (David) Meinen of Chippewa Falls, Dawn (Mike) Bowe of Kasson, MN, David (Julie) of Nederland, CO, Douglas (Amy) of New Richmond, John (Joyce) Popple of Holmen; ten grandchildren, Matthew (Erin) Schneider, Mike Schneider, Sarah (fiancé Tyler) Schneider, Collin and Maggie Meinen, Jacob and Isaac Bowe, Evelyn and Ruby Gustafson, Brianna (Abby) Brixius; two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Cavan; sister-in-laws Grace Swain and Helen Nimtz; many nieces and nephews.

She was welcomed into heaven by her parents; her husband Perry (August 27, 2000); a son in infancy; 12 siblings, Andy, Jim, Sam, Dorlan, and John “Jack” Popple, Evelyn Bergeron, Bert Pierce, Edna “Ted” Maier, Edith Popple, Betty Clark, Bessie Swan, Donna Hepfler and their spouses.

The family would like to say Thank You to those who helped care for Rose these past months: Wendy Edwards, Dr. Vanyo, Care Partners and Dove Healthcare West.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 5 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Terri Koca officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., Sunday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

Rose was a funny, sweet, strong woman. Her passing means an end of an era with James and Emma Popples’ 13 children and their spouses all gone from this world. We are left to carry on their legacies, retell their stories, remember all they taught us and strive to make them proud.

Memorials may go to Trinity UMC, Irvine Park or to the Chippewa County Humane Association.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.
Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.