Rose M. Smits

Rose Smits, age 94 of Appleton passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Rose was born in the town of Freedom, but lived in Appleton most of her life. She was a 1938 graduate of the Freedom High School, and married Clarence Smits on December 27, 1941 at St. Nicholas Church in Freedom. Rose was a charter member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church where she belonged to the Ladies Society. She was a huge fan of Brett Favre, Dale Earnhart, and Bob Uecker, and enjoyed watching the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and NASCAR.

Rose is survived by three children: Darlene Lemke of Hortonville; Jerry (Judy) Smits of Freedom; and Mike (Kathy) Smits of Seymour; three grandchildren: Penny (Joel) Ort, Rob Lemke, and Cindy (Joe) Countney; five great-grandchildren: Colton, Riley Rose, and Brittany Ort; and William and Macy Countney. There are also many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Rose was preceded in death by her parents William and Ida (Woldt) Garvey; her husband Clarence on December 6, 1990; a grandson Jim Smits on June 28, 1985; a son-in-law Robert K. Lemke on June 6, 1996; sisters Marjorie (Al) Wichman and Mildred Garvey; brothers Lloyd Garvey and Raymond (Regina) Garvey; as well as Clarence's brothers and sisters.

The funeral liturgy for Rose will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. Mc Donald Street in Appleton, with Fr. Gerald Falk officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Family members and friends are invited to gather directly at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Fr. Falk for his many visits which Rose truly enjoyed. In recent years, she missed the many phone calls from her neighbor, the late Martha Woldt.

Grandma Bears: We always left your house with a full belly, a hug, and the feeling that our visit made your entire day. We will all miss you.

“God looked around his garden and found an empty place. Then he looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden is more beautiful now that he has the best.”