Racine – Florence Elsie (née Mehlhouse) Rossmann, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Monica's Senior Living on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Born in Racine on January 4, 1929, to Louis and Louise (née Bethke) Mehlhouse, Florence grew up surrounded by family, faith, and music. She graduated from Horlick High School in 1948 and began her career at Western Printing Co. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where her love of singing led her to the church choir—and ultimately to Gerald "Gerry" Rossmann, whom she married on September 26, 1953.

Together, Florence and Gerry built a warm and lively home, raising their children—Mark, Roy, Annette, and Paul. With her mother living in the upstairs flat, Florence's days were filled with caring for her family, baking, gardening, singing, and welcoming friends and relatives. Her gentle nature and steady devotion made her home a place of comfort and joy.

Florence's love of music continued throughout her life. She sang in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church choir, and later in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church choir in Menomonee Falls after Gerry's job transfer in 1968. When they returned to Racine in 1971, she was grateful to be back among her hometown community.

In 1977, Florence and Gerry discovered a charming piece of land in Hancock, Wisconsin, where they began preparing for retirement. After building a modest home, they officially settled there in 1992. Their years in Hancock were filled with simple pleasures—fishing, gardening, and watching deer, birds, and other wildlife wander through their yard. They joined the choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Coloma, continuing the musical tradition that had always been part of their life together.

Florence was known for her exceptional baking, and her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren delighted in the treats she always had waiting for them when they visited. In 2013, she and Gerry celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Hancock—a beautiful milestone in their 64 years together before Gerry's passing in 2018.

In 2019, Florence returned to Racine, first living independently and later transitioning to the compassionate care of St. Monica's Senior Living. She participated in many activities and quickly became beloved by the staff, who affectionately called her "Flo."

Florence was the last cousin born into the Bethke family (1900–1929) and the last to pass—a closing chapter in a long and cherished family lineage.

She is survived by her children Mark (Diana) Rossmann, Annette (Dale) Mills, and Paul (Dori) Rossmann; grandchildren Michael, Kimberly, Adam, Geoff, and Haley; great‑grandchildren Cody, Reagan, Kyann, Scarlett, and Cassidy; brother‑in‑law David Rossman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerry; their beloved son, Roy; her parents Louis and Louise Mehlhouse; Gerry's parents Carl and Beatrice Rossman; her sisters and their husbands, Viola (Albert) Metzger and Virginia (Wilbur) Donnelly; Gerry's siblings and their spouses—Roger and Mary Rossman, Wayne and Marilyn Rossman, and Betty Rossman; her niece Linda (Metzger) Brady; and cousin Marcia (Bethke) Huck.

Private interment will take place at Mound Cemetery in Racine at a later date.