Herb H Rose Jr

Herbert H. Rose Jr., known to everyone simply as Herb, made his final, perfectly sequenced approach and passed away peacefully at home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on August 7th, 2026, at the age of 83-at the time of his passing, he was alongside his beloved wife, Marleen, though anyone who knew his precise nature knows he probably checked the radar twice just to make sure he was right on schedule.

Herb was born on June 16th, 1943, at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center to Herbert H. Rose and Edna (Schraag) Rose. He possessed an unforgettable smile, bright blue eyes, and a rare gift for striking up a conversation with just about anyone. Whether power-walking through the neighborhood often leaving us in the dust or keeping a watchful eye on local comings and goings, Herb was a true local celebrity.

Herb's journey took him across the country and through a wonderfully eclectic life. As a young child, he spent quality time with his grandparents in San Diego-a city that always held a special place in his heart. He later moved to Renville, Minnesota, where he attended school, and spent cherished summers working on an aunt and uncle's farm in Kansas.

A man of diverse and ambitious pursuits, Herb went on to attend UC Berkeley, bringing his vibrant energy to campus and playing the saxophone in the Berkeley Marching Band. Determined and hardworking, he balanced his studies by working for the US Postal Service in downtown San Francisco, later attending UC Hastings College of the Law before duty called.

Herb was drafted into the US Navy, serving honorably for four years. He deployed to Vietnam aboard the legendary aircraft carrier USS Oriskany-proudly known to her crew as the Mighty O-where he served as an air traffic controller. Safely guiding naval aircraft onto a pitching flight deck was a high-stress job that undoubtedly prepared him entirely for trying to manage the rest of us.

Following his military service, Herb returned to California, working at the post office in San Francisco and later at Point Mugu Naval Air Station before eventually relocating back to San Diego. He finally settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he spent his later years happily dividing his time between home and Hill's Tax Office, soaking up the exceptional care and company of his devoted favorite pals, Bethaney, Bridgett, and Tammi. The family would like to thank all of the care givers that made his last years so happy. Over the last few years, Herb's warmth, resilient joy have left an irreplaceable void in the community and office he loved so dearly.

Herb is survived by his beloved wife, Marleen; his son, John (Hennie) Vallie; and their children, Hannah, Gavin, Isaiah, and Jonah all of Plentywood, Montana. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Colwell; his brothers-in-law, Randy and Aaron Hill, Allen (Heather) Hill and nieces and nephews, Connie (Jake) Odenthal, Eric Colwell, John (Jessica) Colwell, and Katy (Brandon) Koerner; and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert H. and Edna Rose; his aunts and uncles, George and Mary Warner and Margaret Smith; his cousin, Theodore "Ted" Warner; and his brother-in-law, Tom Colwell.

Clear skies and a tailwind, Herb. You are cleared for unrestricted climb.

A time of gathering will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona. Full Military Honors will be held at 5:00 p.m.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.