Rose Jean Rebholz

MADISON - Rose Jean (Benda) Rebholz left this earth and joined the heavenly choir of angels on January 12, 2025.

Rose was born in Prairie du Chien, Wis., on April 24, 1932, to Vincent and Rose Benda. After graduating high school, she moved to Madison, where she worked as an administrative assistant. It was in Madison where she met John “Jack” Rebholz on the dance floor at Turner Hall. Rose and Jack married in Prairie du Chien, on May 1, 1954, and built a house on the east side of Madison in which they raised six children and celebrated 64 years of marriage before Jack passed in 2018.

Rose and Jack shared a deep faith and were active members of St. Bernard’s Catholic Parish in Madison where Rose took on duties in the Altar Society, volunteered at the Elementary School, co-led children’s trips through the “I Get the Window Club,” served as a Girl Scout Troop leader, taught religious education, actively participated in the church festivals and bazaars, served as a lector and cantor, distributed Holy Communion, was a member of the church’s Craft and Chat group.

Singing and music gave Rose endless joy. At a young age, she taught herself to play the piano, both by sight-reading music and by ear. She also taught herself to play the guitar and the accordion. She treasured the times when her beloved sister, Ceil, would visit and together they would play their accordions and sing songs from their youth, including several lively polkas. This is something they continued to do into their 90s.

Music soothed Rose’s soul and helped her proclaim her faith in God and she loved sharing her musical talents with others. Rose was a member of St. Bernard’s Choir for nearly 50 years. She also cantored for Masses, and was a member of St. Bernard’s Bell Choir along with the Madison Diocesan Choir until COVID hit in 2020. Her beautiful acapella version of the Ave Maria brought comfort to countless grieving souls at many funerals throughout the years. She also participated in theatrical performances by The St. Bernard’s Players and joined a traveling group of entertainers who sang songs and put on skits at the Colonial Club in Sun Prairie as well as other senior centers in the area.

Rose also enjoyed dancing, reading, traveling, bowling, and playing cards with close friends and relatives. She was a proficient seamstress who made clothing for herself and her children, including bridesmaid dresses, wedding dresses and veils, and countless other articles. She  enjoyed crafting and art activities such as drawing and jewelry making.

Rose’s compassion and love extended to friends and family alike. She lovingly cared for her mother-in-law who came to live with Jack and Rose in her final years. She cared for Jack through a disabling fall and resulting health issues. She was a woman of great faith, love and loyalty. She brought good cheer with her wherever she went, and even in her final days, she displayed a sense of humor and grace.

Rose is survived by her children, Susan (Tim) Dyer, Judith (Kevin) Kraut, Jeanne (Steven) Preston, Gary (Rebecca) Rebholz and Barbara (Kevin) Rau. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Nancy Rebholz; sister, Ceil Benda; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and many nieces and nephews who will miss “Aunt Rosie’s” hearty laugh. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; son, Thomas; 10 siblings; and several beloved in-laws.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, with Mnsr. Duane Moellenberndt presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.

The family extends a special thank you to Jeanne Hansen, a neighbor to Jack and Rose for over 30 years, who offered her loving care during Rose’s last years so that Rose could reside in her family home. The family also thanks Nurse Meagan, Assistant Linda, Sr. GeorgeAnn and the entire staff from SSM Hospice at Home for their compassionate care and advice throughout Rose’s two years while under their care. A sincere thank you to all of Rose’s friends from the St. Bernard’s Parish family who have visited, sent cards, and prayed endlessly for Rose during her final stages of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rose’s name can be made to the Cathedral of St. Bernard Parish, St. Vincent de Paul or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420