Rose Mary Wollum

Rose Mary Wollum passed into eternity on October 9, 2026. She was born on December 7, 1927 to Charles and Emma Burgess. Though her childhood was rough, living through the Great Depression and WW II, the perseverance and resiliency she learned would serve her well during her nearly 99 years of life.

On September 11, 1948 she married Dale Wollum and their love story would last nearly 70 years. Together they raised 4 daughters and by their example, taught them how to be loving parents and grandparents.

Rose Mary was an extraordinary care giver which made it difficult for her to be the care receiver in her later years. At 12 yrs old she cared for her mother after a stroke. Then as a young wife and mother, she and Dale would move into the home where she was born to care for her father and then remain after his death to continue caring for her mother along with their growing family. This would be her home for 73 more years.

Right after high school, having excellent typing and shorthand skills, Rose Mary was hired as the executive secretary to the head of the Telephone Company where she worked until forced to quit when she became pregnant even though she was married! When her youngest was in school, Rose Mary worked part time at Luther Hospital as an evening admitting clerk. She would eventually work her way up to become the business office supervisor. She retired in 1989 only to once again become a care giver just a few years later when her daughter, Jeanne, was diagnosed with cancer. After Jeanne's death in 1992, Rose Mary and Dale finished raising her 11 and 14 yr. old children.

Rose Mary's world always revolved around her family. She was a room mother at school, a PTA member, Girl Scout cookie chairman and always her children's greatest advocate. When asked if she had a "favorite" child, she quickly replied "Yes, it's the one who needs me the most at any given moment."

Rose Mary loved lace curtains, strawberries, cranberries, any kind of cake and all things Christmas. But most of all, she loved children, not just her own, but all the neighbor kids and even those she never met through her longtime support of St. Judes Children's and Shriner's Hospitals. She knew how to make any child feel special and loved, as any of her 14 grandchildren will tell you. Her long life allowed her to form close relationships with her great grandchildren as well.

She loved history and in retirement volunteered at the Chippewa Valley Museum at the welcome desk and as a docent for the school tours. She started a craft group that made items to sell in the gift shop and at the 4th of July celebration with proceeds going to education programming for children. In March of 1992 she was named Volunteer of the Month by the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram for her work at the museum.

Preceding Rose Mary in death are her husband, Dale, daughter, Jeanne, son-in-law, Steven Doud and brother, Charles Burgess. Carrying on her legacy of love are her daughters, Julie (Jon) Holzinger, Jan Doud, and Jacky (Dave) Pille. Surviving grandchildren are Jeff (Angie), Paul (Rachel), and Mark (Katherine) Holzinger; Jason (Kirsten) and Joe (Amanda) Winter and Rebecca (Jonathan) Janz, Daniel (Megan), Mathew (Jessie) and Luke (Savannah) Doud and

Sarah (Phil) Caron, Jenny (Ben) Stone, Mary (Rob) Lavelle, and Eric (Mai) and Ben (Jackie) Deaton. She is further survived by 25 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held on October 23, 2026 at Lake St. United Methodist Church at 11am with lunch to follow. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to St. Jude's or Shriner's Children's Hospital or the Chippewa Valley Museum.