Rose Lee Bodendein, age 78, of Loreto Ridge passed away suddenly on January 18, 2025. She was born on November 16, 1946 to George and Laura (McCauley) McCluskey. Rosie grew up on a farm near the Our Lady of the Fields Chapel and graduated from Weston High School in 1964.

She married Robert (Bob) Whitcomb in 1967.  Together they had two sons. Robert (Bobby) Jr. was born while the family was stationed in Germany. Michael (Mike) arrived after their return to the United States.

Rosie later married LaVern Bodendein in 1983. They made their home on Highway GG in rural Hillpoint for over 40 years.  She was an avid gardener and a master quilter. She crafted beautiful custom quilts for family, friends, and neighbors as gifts celebrating births, weddings, and other occasions. For many years she created beautiful quilts for the St Patrick’s Church fall raffle. Some years ago she was on an episode of Sewing With Nancy, behind a sewing machine of course.  In the springtime her yard, awash in beautiful flowers, could have been featured on the cover of a gardening magazine. She was always willing to share bulbs, cuttings, hostas, and gardening wisdom.

She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and sewing hand totes, potholders, and more. She often donated what she made to charitable causes, to those in need, or gave to family and friends as gifts.  Rosie was an incredible cook and baker. Famous for her home-made noodles, meatballs, and home-made bread and rolls, Rosie’s treats could always be found at St. Patrick’s Church gatherings and family celebrations.

While Rosie held many jobs, including bus driver, her true calling was working as a caregiver. She worked as a CNA at the Sauk County Health Care Center for many years. After her retirement she continued to provide support as a volunteer. Rosie was well known by her community as a skilled and compassionate caregiver. She was often called upon by friends and neighbors looking for a helping hand as they recovered from an illness or injury. Rosie served as a calming presence for people in their time of need, and to those facing their final days. 

She will be remembered by her grandchildren for her candy necklaces and homemade popcorn balls, “Rosie’s Noodles,” and the quilts we will treasure.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LaVern Bodendein; son, Robert Whitcomb; her brothers, Mike, Phillip, and Mark McCluskey, as well as her former husband, Robert Whitcomb.

Rosie is survived by her son, Michael Whitcomb; LaVern's children: Brian Bodendein, Bruce Bodendein, Monica (Mitch) Crook, and Barry (Judy) Bodendein. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ali Konkel, Kale Bodendein, Tasha (Brien) Heindl, Curtis (Andrea) Crook, Colin (Kaity) Crook, Cyle Crook, Corey Bodendein, Clayton Bodendein and Derek Bodendein; as well as three great-grandchildren with a fourth due in February. She is further survived by her sister, Mary McCluskey and brother, Jerome "Joe" McCluskey. She leaves behind many other relatives and friends, neighbors, and her beloved St. Patrick's Church family. Rosie was a very kind and caring person who was loved by many and will be missed by all.

The family would like to thank Chris Ripley and Amy Hahn for the loving care they provided to Rosie in her final moments.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rose Lee Bodendein will be conducted at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Loreto. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. A rosary will be prayed before mass at 11:45 A.M. Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Field Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials of remembrance may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Loreto.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.