RACINE – Rose Marie Ann Stacey (née Bauernfeind), age 92, passed away peacefully at Becker Shoop Center on Sunday, September 2, 2012, surrounded by her family.
Rose Marie was born on May 5, 1920 to Dr. Edwin C. and Alma E. (née Nussbaumer) Bauernfeind in Racine. At age 15, she glided into the life of Charles W. Stacey while ice skating behind Washington Park High School. They married on August 31, 1940 and celebrated 72 years as loving partners and best friends.
Rose Marie graduated as valedictorian from both Washington Park High School in 1938 and Marquette University in 1939 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She worked for over 30 years as a dental hygienist, including with her father in private practice, as city hygienist with the Racine Health Department and as a teacher of dental assisting at Gateway Technical College. Rose Marie then pursued her love of numbers as an accountant at H&R Block, later opening her own business, Stacey's Income Tax Services.
Rose Marie was a member of Racine Women's Club, Lincoln Home Auxiliary and served as the Elmwood Park Treasurer. She was a faithful and long-standing member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, serving as Treasurer as one of the first women on the Church Council; she was a member of the Redeemer Women of the Church, Finance Committee, Altar Guild and Deborah Circle, and taught Sunday School for over 25 years.
Rose Marie enjoyed summers at Crystal Lake in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin and winters in Haines City, Florida. From Victory Garden to hobby farm, she was an avid gardener, talented seamstress and needlepointer, and relished a good game of bridge, challenging crossword puzzle and raucous games of Hearts at the cottage. Rose Marie knew how to make a house a home, hosting holidays and Sunday dinners, nourishing with favorite foods and continuing family traditions.
United with Chuck, Rose Marie forged the foundation of her family, setting an example of how to be a successful spouse, parent and grandparent. A consistent source of support and encouragement, she freely gave the gift of her time. Her work ethic and perseverance were inspirational, teaching her family that you can fulfill your goals by always trying your hardest to do your best. Rose Marie's big smile, hearty laugh, encouraging hug, quiet prayer and constant presence will be missed by all who loved her.
Rose Marie is survived by her devoted husband Chuck. Their greatest pride and living legacy is their family, including children Sue (Keith) Jones of Racine, Dr. John (Karen) Stacey of Madison, WI; grandchildren Kevin (Kim) Jones, Kristin (Matt) Pierre, Brett (Jamie) Stacey, Ryan (Patti) Jones and Dr. Erik (Maria) Stacey; and great-grandchildren Cody and Haley Jones, Sydney and Jack Pierre, Cooper and Drew Stacey, Colin and Riley Jones, Nicholas, Brynn and Jake Stacey. Rose Marie is also survived by sister-in-law Dorothy Stacey of Racine, and nieces and nephews.
Rose Marie was preceded in death by her parents; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Thelma and William Ernst, Howard Stacey, Jr., Edmund and Lillian Stacey; and great-grandson, Jacob Thomas Jones.
A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 2417 Drexel Avenue, on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Melvin Miritz officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A private committal service will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
On behalf of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we would like to thank our Dad for his constant, loving care of Mom, especially during the last 12 years. We would also like to thank the staff at Baypointe Assisted Living, Becker Shoop Center and Allay Hospice for their thoughtful and gentle care of Rose Marie.
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