Rose Marie Burdick, Edgerton  (1922 - 2012)

Rose Marie Burdick, 89, passed away suddenly on April 11, 2012, at her home. She was born December 12, 1922, in rural Edgerton to the late Maurice and Iva (Evans) Cooper. She graduated from Milton Union High School in 1940, attended Whitewater State Teachers' College and taught in Adams and Sheepskin Schools in Rock County. Rose Marie was united in marriage to W. Douglas Burdick at the family homestead on April 27, 1946, after his return from serving in WWII. He preceded her in death on October 14, 2005.
Doug and Rosie raised their four children in Rockford, IL, but enjoyed spending weekends and summers at the family cottage in Newville, returning full time to Rosie's beloved Cooper Shores in 1972. They loved to spend time socializing, playing cards, dancing and dining out. Rosie worked as attendance secretary at Edgerton High School from 1975-1979. Since retiring she remained a very active community volunteer. She was a member of the Congregational Church U.C.C. and had served on the Deacons and Trustees boards. She was a life member of the Albion Academy Historical Society where she served as treasurer since 1984, was a life member of Severson Dells Nature Center in Rockford, and a member of the V.F.W. Post 2708 Auxiliary in Edgerton. She also volunteered for several years at Outreach in Edgerton. Rosie had a passion for gardening and knew just about every flower species. For years she played cards at the ERA on Tuesday and spent Monday evenings with her favorite Cheers friends. Rosie was always upbeat, positive and most will agree that Rosie never knew a stranger.
She is survived by sons, Lorrin (Diana), Rancho Cordova, CA; Craig (Teena), Machesney Park, IL; daughter Ellen (John) Morris, Austin, TX; and daughter-in-law, Debra Burdick, Darien, WI; grandchildren, Douglas (Heather); Tracey (Dan Kennington, fiance); Ryan (Michelle Hehenberger, special friend) and Sarah Burdick; step grandchildren, Michael McCray and Collin Morris; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Emily and Alex Burdick; step great-grandchild, Miette McCray; sister, Lucille Bartz; brothers, Allen (Maxine) and Rollin (Nancy) Cooper; many nieces, nephews, cousins and very special friend, Gailen Pierce; She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doug; son, Gary; brothers-in-law Louis (Speed) Bartz and David L. Burdick; and sister-in-law, Neva Burdick.
A Memorial Service will be held at Noon on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 114 Henry St., Edgerton, WI., with Rev. Lora Whitten officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 12, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Albion Academy Historical Society or the Congregational Church of Edgerton. The EHLERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES of Edgerton is assisting the family.