FREDERICK HERMAN ROSENBAUM
FREDERICK HERMAN ROSENBAUM
Frederick Herman Rosenbaum, 87, passed away at St. Monica’s Assisted Living in Racine, WI, on Dec. 4, 2022, after several years of declining health.
Fred was born Sept. 27, 1935, in Black River Falls, WI, the third of eight children to Herman and Birdie (Spunaugle) Rosenbaum.
Fred was a born farmer and would gladly have taken over the family farm near Black River Falls had his allergies not precluded it. The thrill of his farm boy life was the day his FFA entry, Bertha, the “boss” cow of the farm herd of grade Holsteins, took grand champion at the county fair, competing in a ring of purebreds.
Four years with the U.S. Air Force took him to Cheyenne, WY, Grand Rapids, MN, and Cape Romanzof, AK, which was a radar site on the DEW line where the U.S. watched for intrusion by Soviet aircraft during the Cold War. During his career, he was awarded Airman of the Month several times and attained the rank of Airman 1st Class. He maintained his life-long military affiliation as an active member of American Legion Post 494, Caledonia, WI, and often helped the VFW sell poppies.
After the Air Force, Fred headed for southeastern Wisconsin where factories were booming. He retired from his machinist job at J.I. Case after 22 years. To satisfy his love of farming, he spent nearly every off hour driving tractor for Leo and Nick Lichter at their Kenosha County farm.
For many years Fred has been a very active member of the Tractor Club of Southeast Wisconsin. Local tractor shows, county fairs and exhibits at the Caledonia Historical Society grounds would find him giving a hand in the threshing or wood cutting crews and showing off his antique tractors.
He met his dear Cecilia, an elementary school teacher, in 1965. They married a year later in spite of some telling her that she had better prospects waiting in the wings. Ceil’s choice proved the right one, because they spent 44 happy years together and Fred has been lost these 12 years without her. They both loved to travel. Besides many of the United States, they visited Czechoslovakia, Poland and Denmark.
They had no children of their own but were “favorite aunt and uncle” to dozens of nieces, nephews, cousin’s children and neighborhood kids. Both of them loved company, and their house was traditionally “party central” for their extended family several times a year.
Both Fred and Ceil were very active in their parish, St. John Nepomuk. They could be counted on to work all thrift sales, fundraisers and annual carnivals. Ceil belonged to Christian Mothers, and Fred was always available for building repairs.
Fred was predeceased by his parents; siblings Alyce Arnold, Luella Erwin and Joseph Rosenbaum; brothers-in-law George Arnold, John Erwin, Joe Arrington, Ambrose and Henry Simonds; and sisters-in-law Helen Stefferud, Lydia Oszuscik, Mary Lemke, Anna Turke and Lois and Patricia Simonds.
Fred is survived by siblings Trudy Arrington, Judie (John) Moyer, Francis (Charlotte) Rosenbaum and Patricia Rosenbaum; brother-in-law Paul Simonds; and sisters-in-law Brenda Rosenbaum and Frances Wallace; and many beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of his and Ceil’s families.
Fred’s family gives a grateful Thank You to the staff at St. Monica’s and especially to his neighbor and generous friend, Tammy Chavez, who added several quality years to his life with her many hours of selfless caregiving.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St., Racine, WI, at 11 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2022. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetery, 5512 Douglas Ave., Racine, with military honors. Visitation was held at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the Mass.
Pallbearers were Jesse and Matthew Rosenbaum, Victor Arnold, Lee and Daniel Caminiti,and Jamie Richter.
Memorials may be sent to St. John Nepomuk Building Fund or Caledonia Historical Society, 5043 Chester Lane, Racine, WI 53402