Rose M. Dahl, an example of unwavering love and kindness, passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2024, at the age of 89, in Viroqua, Wis. She was born on Independence Day in 1934 in La Crosse, Wis., to Frederick and Viola (Will) Rogowski.
After completing high school, Rose’s creative flair led her to Doerflinger’s, a local dress shop, where she showcased her talent as a window dresser. Her life blossomed further when she married her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Wayne Dahl. Together they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and the joyous challenge of both raising a family while working side by side with Wayne running the farm. She was a city girl who ended up loving to milk cows. Rose looked forward to going out dancing with Wayne at their favorite place on Sunday nights at the Avalon Ballroom in La Crosse.
As they nurtured their family, Rose worked in various roles, including at The Badger Store in Cashton and as the cherished “Grandma Rosie” at the Catholic Daycare. Her heart was so expansive that she opened her home and treated many children as her own, most recently caring for Braden and Payton Pederson, providing them with the same love and care that poured from her heart throughout her life.
Rose’s life was deeply rooted in her faith, and she was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Cashton. Her voice was a staple in the choir, and her involvement with the PCCW was a testament to her commitment to her church community.
She was lovingly known as “Nonnie” by her grandchildren, a term of endearment that captured her nurturing spirit and became an inseparable part of her identity. Rose’s presence at her children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events was unmistakable. She was their biggest cheerleader, always present, always encouraging, and always ready with a smile that could light up the bleachers. Her ability to make someone feel loved and special was one of her greatest gifts, and she was a fierce advocate for the people she loved. Rose’s sense of humor was a source of joy and laughter for all who knew her, and her selfless nature was a guiding light for her family and community.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne, and their children: Debbie (Richard) Schultz of La Crosse, Cathy Dahl of Middleton, Wis., Scott (Doreen) Dahl of Cashton, and Cinthia Rose Dahl of California. Rose was the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren: Randi (Dan) Woodbeck, Mia Dahl, Derek Dahl, Jaclyn Dahl, Ryan (Morgan) Schultz, Garret Schultz, Trevor (fiancé Annie Eber) Schultz, Shannon Scott, Samantha Cook, Sheena (Derek) Cook-Fuglsang, Austen (Sharlen) Dahl, Alex (Erin Canadeo) Dahl, Andrew (Emily) Dahl, Annie (Callan) Pitcher and Amber (Sam) DeWitt. She is survived by her siblings, Ronnie Dickman and John (Carol) Rogowski; her sisters-in-law, Rita Mella and Erna Rogowski; she was blessed to see the family tree flourish with 18 great-grandchildren.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jack, in 2017; her siblings, Darlene (Dick) Dent, Elli (Gary) Knutson, Rita (Bob) Mathis, Butch Rogowski, and Susie Hutchinson; and her brothers-in-law, Doug Dickman and Ralph Mella.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Burial will follow in Pine Hollow Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Feb. 9, from 4–7 p.m., and a rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m., all at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation also will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The family has asked that memorials be given in memory of Rosie to the Cashton Splash Pad.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
