Rosalie "Rosie" Ruck

Rosalie “Rosie” Ruck, age 96, passed away the evening before her 97th birthday at Three Pillars. She was born August 4, 1923 to Fred and Anna Bretz in Ashippun, Wisconsin. Rosie was a professional musician. She started playing the piano at age 3. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1949 in Music. She toured throughout the Midwest and briefly in Southern California and Washington D.C. in the late 40’s and early 50’s under the name Rosalie Hayes. Rosie grew up in Milwaukee and met Herman while singing in a local "establishment" in the early 60's. They were married in 1961 and moved to Colorado in 1965 and they lived there until 2001 when they moved to Three Pillars. In later years, she was employed as a church musician and performed as a volunteer for nursing homes and retirement communities. She also performed at political rallies. In 1994, she became the organist at the Masonic Health Care Center in Dousman. She and her friends would perform weekly under the name “Rosie and the Rosebuds” at The Village On The Square. Rosie was fond of nature, senior citizens, animals, golf, and swimming. She and Herman spent their last years together at Three Pillars and were very involved in the community. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Rosie is survived by her Three Pillars family. Rosie is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Herman; and her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosie’s name can be made out to: Three Pillars Staff Appreciation fund. A private graveside service will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park where her and Herman will be reunited at last. Together Forever.