Rosalee Dean Upp

 

Our dear beloved mom, Rosalee Upp, left us Wednesday, August 23, with a sound mind at the ripe age of 98! Her favorite sayings as of late were, “getting old is not for sissies” and “it’s a great life if you don’t weaken.”

Rosalee lived a rich life which was measured by her relationships. Family was the center of her world and the many “adopted” family members she collected along the way. As she recently corrected us, Rosalee said she didn’t just love people, she “adored” them. She wasn’t the “take your shoes off first” kind of hostess—instead, the doors were always open wide to any visitors and delicious food was whipped up, cards were shuffled, dice was thrown and let the stories and good times roll.

Keeping it classy, she was sassy, witty, and as beautiful on the inside as the outside (without fail, makeup, lipstick, hair done, new outfit every day, and of course earrings, necklace, etc.). Her last night with us (literally on her dying bed), she asked, “what do I have on?”

A farm girl herself, Rosalee and her beloved Uppie raised their five kids on a farm as well. We loved being “The 7 Upps! As the 7 Upps, we had nothing, but we had everything. From farming to waitressing to writing insurance alongside Uppie, she was loved fiercely, treasured, and has left a gaping hole in this world. On the “Uppside”, the table is set, the cards are shuffled, the chairs are full with Uppie, Grandpa Beryl, Grandma Bessie, and a waiting line of sisters and brothers-in-law for their turn.

With her customary flair, her dying words were, “This isn’t goodbye, it’s I will see you later.” Mom told us she wanted her obituary to “just be good”, and we hope she approves.

Rosalee D. (Steck) Upp was born on July 17, 1925, as the first daughter of the late Beryl and Bessie (Howard) Steck. Rosalee married Merrill (Uppie) Upp on March 23, 1947.

Rosalee is survived by her sons: Beryl (Laurie), Seymour; Jim (Sheryl), Appleton; Glenn (Paula), Appleton and daughters Michelle (Bob) Hirschinger, Nashotah; Richelle (Bob) Cuomo, Wales; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren (which she felt gave her bragging rights).

She was predeceased by her husband, Uppie, her parents Beryl and Bessie Steck, and her four younger sisters: LaFaye Ireton, Bonnie Hunter, Jere Johnson, Berla Wittman, and their spouses.

The memorial service for Rosalee will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, W7265 School Rd, Greenville, WI 54942, with Pastor Phil Koelpin officiating.  Visitation is from 9:00 am until the time of service.  To watch Rosalee's service live, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@immanuellutheranministries9761

Rosalee will be interred next to her husband at Floral Hill Cemetery in New London.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25