Rosella Meyer

Rosella "Rose" Meyer passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the age of 84, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Rose was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Delbert and Ruth Pann. She attended Orfordville schools, graduating as salutatorian of the Class of 1959, and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

As a young girl, Rose would rise before dawn to milk cows and complete barn chores alongside her grandfather. Those early mornings helped shape the determination and strong work ethic that would remain with her throughout her life.

Rose worked for the Janesville School District and the City of Janesville Parks and Recreation Department for more than 23 years. Rose married Vernon Meyer on October 21, 1989. Following her retirement, she and her beloved husband of 37 years, Vern, moved to the Town of Rome, near Nekoosa, where they made their home for the past 28 years.

Rose embraced life in her new community, becoming involved with the Woodland Lutheran Church Quilters, women's book clubs, and golf leagues at Lake Arrowhead. She and Vern enjoyed traveling together and spending winters in the St. Pete Beach area of Florida.

Rose's positive outlook, quick wit, and welcoming spirit allowed her to form lasting friendships wherever she went. Anyone who played cards or golf with Rose also knew her competitive side. She loved good company—and certainly enjoyed winning! She also enjoyed curling, quilting, crafting, and reading. Her beautifully crafted quilts and handmade cards for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions became treasured keepsakes for the many people she loved.

Above all, Rose loved her family and friends. She was a steady voice of reason, encouragement, and positivity to those around her. Throughout her cancer journey, she showed remarkable determination, rarely dwelling on her own pain and often turning the conversation toward the person beside her. Even as her body weakened, her wit and intellect remained strong. Her ability to find joy, make others laugh, and care for those around her inspired everyone who shared this journey with her.

Rose is survived by her husband, Vernon "Vern" Meyer; her children, Shelly (Scott) Schroeder, Kelley (C.J.) Johnson, Michael (Brenda) Nicholson, and Bradley (Cheryl) Nicholson; her stepdaughters, Nicole (Dave) Papermaster and Kristen (Paul) Accardo; her 12 grandchildren, Colin Nicholson (Tatiana), Matthew Nicholson (Megan), Morgan Schroeder, Dylan (Lori) Schroeder, Maddie (Lindsay) Schroeder, Emma Johnson (Dom), Ryan Johnson, Cassandra (Hayden) Latsch, Lauren Nicholson (Adam), Alec Nicholson (Jennifer), Garrett Papermaster, and Kaia Papermaster; and her sisters, Priscilla Pann and Sandra McQuade.

Rose and her family deeply appreciated the love and support of family and friends, as well as the compassionate care provided by the doctors and nurses at the Aspirus Cancer Center in Wisconsin Rapids, UW Hospital in Madison, and Compassus Hospice.

A celebration of Rose's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Woodland Lutheran Church in the town of Rome. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A luncheon at the Lake Arrowhead Clubhouse will immediately follow the service.

Memorials may be made to the Lester Public Library of Rome, The Woodland Lutheran Church Quilters Group or Aspirus Women's Cancer Fund.

Rose will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, laughter, quick wit, determination, and the thoughtful ways she made everyone around her feel cared for and valued. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.