Rose entered the family business in West Allis while raising five children. She was also active in the St. Therese Christian Mothers and the Third Order of St. Francis. In later years she supported organizations for the promotion and continuation of the Latin Mass.
Rose Marie Falque, one of twelve children, was born in Oconto Wisconsin on September 7, 1907. She graduated from Oconto High School and traveled to Milwaukee in search of a career. As a waitress at Child's Restaurant she met a busboy from a small town in Minnesota who was working his way through Marquette University School of Journalism. They were married in 1928 and her husband started a career in retail grocery.
After 15 years with the A&P Company, rising to manager in the first area supermarket, the couple opened their own store in 1943. Bill was the head of this enterprise and Rose was the heart. She particularly enjoyed giving children who bought penny candy "a little extra."
She is survived by a sister, Isabel Hoppe of Oconto; three daughters Elaine Richard Kroening, Laura Richard Owan, Mary Richard Gray; two sons Joseph Barbara Barthel, William Joan Barthel; 28 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Clement Manor Nursing Home for the loving care provided to our mother. Visitation and a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church, West Allis, Wisconsin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28.
A poem written by Rose upon graduation was included in the yearbook:
Farewell Old Oconto!
It's time to bid you adieu.
Seventeen years I've lived here,
And seventeen years is quite a few.
Here is where I got my start
On life's long journey yet to span.
I'm leaving you for a while now,
But I'll come back again.
Arrangements for internment at Oconto Cemetery are pending.