Rosalie June Richardson, 86 of Fredericksburg died Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Hillcrest Homes in Sumner.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg prior to the service. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg with Allison Haskins, Nate Haskins, Greg Schuman, Molly Schuman, Keasen Richardson, Sterling Angeroth serving as pallbearers.
Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg have been entrusted with arrangements.
Born on May 31, 1938, in New Hampton, Iowa to Lyle and Marjorie (Ellison) Mattke, Rosalie’s life was a testament to her unwavering passion for nurturing and caring for others. She is remembered with great fondness and immense respect by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her throughout her rich and purposeful life.
Rosalie spent her childhood in the quaint surroundings of Fredericksburg, Iowa, where she met her lifelong love, David Richardson, during their formative years in grade school. Their romance blossomed into a beautiful partnership, culminating in marriage at the Peace Church in Fredericksburg on October 2, 1960. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their three children, Laurie, Bradley, and Bruce.
An accomplished student, Rosalie graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1956, setting the stage for her lifelong commitment to the field of nursing. She furthered her education at the Allen School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1960, ready to embark on a career defined by compassion and excellence. Rosalie’s professional journey as a surgical nurse began at St. Francis, where her skilled hands and kind heart touched the lives of countless individuals.
Rosalie’s career evolved as she took on the role of co-administrator at the Denver Sunset Home, where her leadership and empathy shone brightly. Her passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge led her to become a nursing instructor at Hawkeye Community College, inspiring a new generation of nurses with her endless stories from her training and experiences.
A pillar of the community, Rosalie was one of the original members of the first ambulance crew in Denver, Iowa, where she raised her family before relocating to Cedar Rapids. Her commitment to service continued as a dedicated Red Cross Nurse. Rosalie and David later returned to Fredericksburg and enjoyed twelve cherished winters in Texas, basking in the warmth of both the climate and the community.
Rosalie’s zest for life was evident in her myriad interests and hobbies. An avid golfer, she enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the game. Her artistic talents were expressed through beautiful artwork, and she was an enthusiastic collector of antiques. As a scout leader, she instilled values of courage and integrity in young minds. Rosalie’s love for the outdoors was shared with her family on many camping trips, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Above all, Rosalie was a family woman, treasured by her grandchildren for her “great hugs” and the unwavering support she provided. Her competitive spirit was always in good fun during family game nights, where she would engage with a loving and kind heart. Rosalie’s stories from her nursing career were legendary, filled with both humor and wisdom, reflecting her caring and passionate nature.
Those who knew Rosalie describe her as loving, kind, and passionate. She approached every aspect of her life with these qualities, making an indelible impact on her family, friends, and the many lives she touched through her professional and volunteer work.
Rosalie is survived by her husband David Richardson of Fredericksburg; sons: Bradley (Cynthia Angeroth) Richardson of Council Bluffs and Bruce Richardson of Alakanuk, Alaska; daughter Laurie (Jeff) Schuman of Chesterfield, MO; brother Curtis Mattke of Las Vegas, NV; and grandchildren: Allison (Nate) Haskins, Greg (Molly) Schuman, Keasen Richardson, and Sterling Angeroth.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Marjorie (Ellison) Mattke; and sister Margo Pleggenkuhle.
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