Roseanne Mills

LODI - Roseanne Mills, age 48, passed on to eternal life on December 26, 2013 at the Agrace HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, WI with her husband at her side. Roseanne was the second of two children of the late Byron and Beverly (Hester) Sowers of Necedah, WI. Born in Joliet Illinois, at the age of 7 Roseanne's family moved to the family farm in Milton, IN where the Church and the farming community shaped her life and her love for family and her Faith. In 1981 Roseanne’s family moved to Necedah, WI. Her dear husband and three children meant the world to her, but she found great joy in all her aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews as well. Some of her fondest memories were those when her family was all together at holidays or reunions. Roseanne loved music, sports and education which reflected the vision of her parents and grandparents who encouraged their children to live up to their potential. The son of an Indiana farmer, during the Depression years Roseanne's father earned a degree in chemical engineering and later studies at MIT and worked for Texaco his entire life. Roseanne understood the value of a strong education. After graduating valedictorian at Queen of the Holy Rosary High School in 1983 she attended the UW Stevens Point and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1987. After graduating from UW Stevens Point Roseanne worked in accounting at Best Power Technology in Necedah WI where she and her husband Rick Mills met. Not being content with her new career in accounting Roseanne decided to go back to school. She spent four more years at Michigan Technological University and in 1995 graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering. Later that year on October 14 Roseanne and Rick Mills entered into the Sacrament of marriage at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston WI. Roseanne and Rick were blessed with three wonderful children: a son: Michael John Mills, a daughter: Sarah Christine Mills and a second daughter: Rebecca Anne Mills. Roseanne’s children meant everything to her. She had found the true calling of her life in these children God had entrusted to her. On September 22, 2003 she wrote in her journal “...this is exactly what I want to be doing with my life. I actually, to be correct about what I thought, thought it was a privilege to have the opportunity to raise 3 children and participate in their excitement in anticipating all the holidays coming up starting with Halloween. What a privilege also to see how they’re growing and maturing.” Roseanne found her life’s vocation in her marriage and especially motherhood. All those years in college were put to good use helping the kids with their education. She spent countless hours working with the children in their studies. Roseanne played piano but was most interested in fostering a love for music in her own children who are talented musicians. Always ready for some fun, she spent many hours playing baseball and basketball with her children and never turned down the opportunity to take one of them on in a video or board game. Roseanne was a strong advocate of Catholic Education and Home Schooling. She home schooled both Michael and Rebecca when they needed some extra help. She enjoyed working with all the kids on their Latin, Algebra and Physics or whatever the subject might be. Roseanne was also active in her community. She was a Den Mother for four years and organized multiple campouts and other scouting events. She was an active member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish and School. She organized a weekly hot lunch program, put together a monthly school news letter, worked side by side with her husband cleaning floors and helped out wherever she could. Of all the things Roseanne loved in her life none was as strong as her love for God and her Catholic faith. For it was through this love of God and the graces of the Sacraments which led her to the most important things in her life. She grew up with a strong Irish Catholic influence on her Mother’s side of the family. Two of her aunts, Sr. Agnes Veronica and Sr. Loretta Eileen where a strong influence on Roseanne throughout their lives. Through her whole life Roseanne worked hard to fashion her life around that of Christ. She read often about the lives of the Saints and trials they often faced. Her favorite was St. Therese of Lisieux, who saw each small gesture of love as a personal touch of Jesus Christ in the world. The path of Christ is not an easy one and Roseanne prayed often for guidance. The biggest gift she has left her children is that of their faith in Christ and the assurance of eternal life with him. Roseanne is survived by her loving husband: Rick Mills; Son: Michael John Mills, Daughter: Sarah Christine Mills, Daughter: Rebecca Anne Mills, Brother: Francis Sowers (Mauston, WI), Brother: Byron Sowers Jr. (Memphis, TN). She was preceded in death by her parents and another brother Charles Sowers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED TRINITY PARISH AT ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH DANE, 109 S. Military Rd., Dane, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, with the Rev. Father Chad Droessler officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Dane, WI. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Blessed Trinity School, Dane WI and St. Ambrose Academy, Madison WI. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Hamre-Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main St. (608)592-3201