Rose J. Sagstetter

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 may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.