Rose Losinski

The place she called home was where Rose Losinski's heart was. From family gatherings to a cup of coffee over good conversation with a neighbor, Rose's home brought her the greatest joy, especially shared beside her beloved Ben. Her bright disposition was a welcome reminder of her kind and loving ways, and as a woman of grace, she carried herself with an elegance and class all her own. A deeply loved and remarkable woman in the lives of many, she will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions which greatly improved the American way of life. While a sense of gaiety filled the air, the infamous Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature. It was during this time of change in the rural village community of Bronson, Michigan when John and Magdeline Kruszka were eagerly anticipating the birth of their third child. On September 8, 1920 they welcomed their daughter, Rose, born at home on their family farm with the loving help of her grandmother, Busia Wotta.

Rose was raised with a rich Polish heritage and their ancestry was very important to the Kruszka family. Polish was the only language spoken in their home. In fact, it wasn't until Rose began school did she then learn the English language. One of seven children, Rose grew up alongside her siblings, although several of them sadly died quite young. Her parents were hardworking farmers and much of her childhood was spent working on the farm, but she mainly helped her mother with household chores. Devout in their Catholic faith, they relied upon that very faith during the difficult days of the Great Depression as it created a life of hardship and struggle for all.

From an early age Rose found many things that captured her interest. She enjoyed cooking, but especially liked school. She excelled in her studies during the eight years she attended Catholic school and when it came time for her to graduate from Bronson High School she was in the top three of her class. Along with her schooling and daily farm chores, Rose found time to enjoy playing softball with the area neighbor boys.

After high school Rose took a business correspondence course with an emphasis in secretarial studies. In time she acquired a job with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company where she eventually took the position of executive secretary there. Over the years she spent many lunch hours shopping at Jacobson's, one of her favorite department stores. She never began her day without a donut to go along with her coffee. Simply a wonderful woman to be around, Rose was generous in all she did and her acts of kindness brought thankful smiles to many.

The course of Rose's life as she knew it changed dramatically one day while visiting relatives. Although she had known Ben Losinski while growing up, it just so happened that Ben's sister was married to Rose's uncle. Due to fateful timing one Sunday afternoon, both Rose and Ben were coincidently visiting their cottage on Long Lake at the same time. After they were formally introduced, the two shared a beautiful boat ride together over the pristine lake. Quite enamored right from the start, they began dating and from that moment on fell deeply in love.

A year and a half later Rose made for a beautiful bride when she and Ben were blessed in marriage on October 16, 1948. Their ceremony was performed by Fr. Andy Wotta, Rose's uncle, at St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson. Together they remained devoted to their Catholic faith for the rest of their days. Unable to have children of their own, they delighted in their nieces, nephews and special neighbor kids, Stacy and Ross over the years.

When Rose entered a room it was as if the volume had been tuned up on a good song. Her outgoing spirit and bright outlook on life was contagious. She easily made friends wherever she went, but family remained at the center of her heart. She especially looked forward to family get-togethers. She cherished holiday gatherings with her family and shared Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter together.

When it came to travel, Rose and Ben went on several vacations camping and fishing in the Upper Peninsula and attended Ben's Air Force reunions across the country each year. They also spent time on a memorable cruise with the couple that introduced them, Ben's sister Sophia and Doc Wotta, Rose's uncle. Rose was content taking care of their home and working with Ben in the yard. Recognized as an award winning gardener, Ben tended to a variety of over 100 roses that graced the premises of their home in a loving tribute to the woman he so dearly loved.

Along with flower gardening, Rose was talented in many areas and for a time got together regularly with a needlepoint group. She enjoyed baking and often made their home an inviting place for family and friends. In their later years they left the cooking to others while enjoying a good meal dining out. Rose was dedicated when it came to visiting family and when she was unable to do so, she never hesitated in picking up paper and pen as a devoted writer of letters.

With a grace and class all her own, Rose Losinski was easy going and had a sense of humor that brought smiles on the gloomiest of days, especially with her catch phrase, "Holy Toldeo!". Generous with her time and devoted to those she loved, her family, neighbors and home, gave her much contentment and made her heart glad. She counted her wedding day to Ben as the greatest day of her life, and his death in 2005 proved to be a most difficult time for her.

At the age of 90, Rose Losinski died on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. She is survived by her youngest sister, Martha (Don) Sikorski; nieces and nephews: Darrell (Sandy) Wotta, Dan (Paula) Kruszka, Mike (Sue) Kruszka, Jim (Penny) Kruszka, Lori (Tom) Ringwelski, Sherri (Ken) Shreves. Learn more about Rose, view her Life Story film and visit with friends and family while sharing some refreshments on Friday from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler - Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900, where the rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM that evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:00 AM at St. Augustine Cathedral. Following the mass, food and fellowship will be shared in the Fr. Crowley Cathedral Center. Burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bronson. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Rose and to sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Cathedral.