Rose Smith

Rose Marie Smith, age 93, of rural Postville died peacefully at home February 12, 2017. A private family graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 24 at the Postville Cemetery, Postville followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Postville. All are invited to the memorial service at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be offered.

Rose was born March 13, 1923 to Harold and Claire Brewer of Postville. She was raised on their family farm, graduated from Postville High School and briefly taught in country school. She was married to Keith Smith June 15, 1944 and lived on their farm for the rest of her life.

Rose loved horses and kept donkeys on the farm in her later years. She also loved cats, and lots of cats found their home on the farm; lots of cats! She was the proprietary manager and operator of the parlor where she milked their herd of Brown Swiss cows. When the time came to stop the dairy operation, the Smiths converted to raising beef cows.

Rose Marie is survived by her son, Phillip; her daughters, Virginia and Michelle; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and 13 nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Keith; her son, Bruce; her daughter, Connie (Gordon) Gelo; her grandson, Rhett Gelo; her parents, Harold and Claire Brewer; her sister, Mildred (Harold) Trappe; her brother, Raymond Brewer; her brother, Lavern Brewer; her brother-in-law, Harold Trappe; her sister-in-law, Helen Brewer; her niece, Linda (Don) Smith; and her grand-niece, Brenda Krambeer.

Memorials will be directed to hospice charity in this area. Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville is assisting the family with arrangements.