Rose J. Sagstetter, age 97 of Eau Galle, died Friday, June 5, 2015 at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Menomonie.

Rose was born in Eau Galle, March 10, 1918 to Jacob and Louisa (Gushelbauer) Helmueller. She graduated from Dunn County Normal in 1937 and from Eau Claire University with a B.S. in Education. Rose married Earl Sagstetter on June 24, 1941 at St. Henry’s Parish in Eau Galle. He entered the service in 1941. After Rose’s husband retried from the service in 1945, they farmed in the Elmwood area for ten years. Rose taught in rural schools for over ten years, St. Henry’s Parish School for four years and fifteen years in Elmwood State Graded School. She was a member of the Wisconsin Education Association in Madison and retired in 1983. Rose was active in St. Henry’s Parish in the education program, the Altar Society and a trustee for the Bishop Endowment Trust in the La Crosse Diocese since it started many years ago. She received permission form Fr. Hollern years ago to lead the daily rosary before our daily mass, with the help of other good parishioners it has continued ever since. Rose’s husband, Earl passed away in 1986.

Rose enjoyed making quilts, teaching, fishing, gardening, seamstress and writing the memoirs of her life for her children and grandchildren to remember. 

Rose is survived by her children; Michael of Oakdale, MN, Sandra Sagstetter of Elmwood, Mary Polasky of Littleton, CO, James (Mary) of Rochester, MN, Larry (Cheryl) of Pueblo, CO and Robert of Elmwood, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Earl, four brothers; Rev. Lawrence Helmueller SJ, Jake, Tony and Chris Helmueller and one sister; Lena Gifford.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, June 11, 2015 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church. Rev. John Helmueller and Rev. Jerry Hoeser will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Fr. Joseph Smetana, Capuchin June 11, 2015, at 10:51am

   When one loses a dear friend, no words are necessary--and ones feelings cannot be expressed in just a few sentences. Rose was a close and dear friend, not only when I was at Eau Galle, but all the time I have known her. She is missed by many and in their prayers. A true mother, Catholic and friend.

2. Patty and Jeff Johnson June 10, 2015, at 3:44pm

   We're so sorry for your loss. It's not easy to let go of our mothers. What a happy reunion she and your Dad must be having after 29 years along with many other relatives and friends. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss her too, until we meet again.

3. Paula Smith June 9, 2015, at 2:39pm

   to roses family I remember when rose taught ccd classes for church she always had a smile on her face and she was always proud of each of her students I will miss her and the family has my prayers and sympathy and remember she is always there when you need her ill keep you in my prayers

4. Bob Afdahl June 9, 2015, at 7:49am

   Sympathies to Rose's family. She was a very dedicated teacher. I enjoyed working with her in the next door classroom especially with the hands on science which was starting to take place in the mid 70's. I did easy things with my 5th graders and she extended the projects for her 6th graders.

5. Jerry & Laurie Helmueller June 7, 2015, at 8:15pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Rose’s Family. She is the last to rejoin her family. May God watch over all of them.

6. Jeffrey Dorchester June 7, 2015, at 4:51pm

   Well she was the last of them. They were all great. Thanks for the fishing. God bless you Bob Sandy and Mary. She's back with her brothers and sister. Can't wait to see them all someday. Remember to say your rosary. With love cousin Jeff.

7. Lindsay Koepke June 7, 2015, at 9:56am

   Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your Mom. Thinking of you.
   'Dinny'* and Dean Koepke
   *Sandy and Mary's DHS classmate, Lindsay Pomasl

8. Kim & Lynette Wagenbach June 7, 2015, at 5:36am

   To the family of Rose Sagstetter:
   Rose was a wonderful person. She will be missed.
   Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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