Charlotte “Ellen” Grosse-Rhode
September 20, 1934 – October 21, 2023
Charlotte “Ellen” Grosse-Rhode, passed away on October 21, 2023 at the age of 89. On September 20, 1934, Ellen was born to Tom and Ann Adams in Boscobel, WI. Throughout her childhood her family moved around quite a bit. They landed in Omaha where she attended Cathedral High School.
After graduating, Ellen married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Grosse-Rhode. Together they had 14 children, 9 girls and 5 boys. Ellen spent her time not only raising 14 children but supporting Ken in his business endeavors. Due to Ken’s sudden death (tragic hunting accident 48 yrs ago), she was forced to finish raising the 13 of the 14 children on her own. Ellen went on to graduate from the College of Saint Mary’s in 1985 with a business degree and Magna Cum Laude distinction.
Faith was very important to Ellen so she was an active volunteer at each parish she was a member of. One of her favorite things to do was being a money counter on Sundays. She worked for the Archdiocese of Omaha as business manager and helped arrange events for the Diocese. Ellen loved to travel and was fortunate enough to see many parts of the world including New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Japan and the United States. Annual trips to Wisconsin were top of her list of summer destinations as she always loved to visit her only sister Mary Ann. Ellen was an avid reader and could always be found with a book in her hands. Her other loves were walking daily, spending time with her grandkids and praying the rosary. But if it was a Saturday in the fall you could find her watching the Huskers and will forever be known as an avid Husker fan.
Charlotte Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, parents Tom and Ann Adams, parents-in-law Tony and Blanche Grosse-Rhode, brother Tom Adams, sister Mary Ann Dempsey, grandsons Drew Soukup and Braxton Zimmer.
Ellen is survived by her brother, Jim (Diane) Adams; sister-in-law, Kathy Adams; daughters: Theresa (David) Mooney, Annette (Mark) McColley, Denise (Richard) Soukup, Lisa (Kenneth) Soukup, Lori (John) Unger, Chris (Mike) Lehr, Angela (Tom) Triplett, Jill Grosse-Rhode, Katina Van Cleave; sons: Steve (Julie) Grosse-Rhode, Jerry (Janet) Grosse-Rhode, Bernard (Deb) Grosse-Rhode, Rob (Kim) Grosse-Rhode and Chad (Kori) Grosse-Rhode; 37 grandkids, 52 great-grandkids; 2 great-great-grandkids; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family will receive friends Friday, October 27th from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at West Center Chapel with a Vigil Service at 7PM.
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, October 28th, 9:00AM at St. Cecilia Cathedral
Interment: Holy Sepulchre
Memorials may be directed to St. Cecilia Cathedral
15 Comments
To All Our Dear Grosse-Rhode’s,
We are thinking about you all with our hearts and remembering you in our prayers.. Not only was your mom blessed with the fourteen of you … but also with all the rest of the neighborhood kids who orbited the Grosse-Rhode home during our childhoods. Wishing you all memories to comfort you. Thinking of you all now and in the days ahead. With sympathy in the loss of your mom. The Livingston’s 🫶
I was not able to make the Vigil, but certainly, my Sister Mary & I attended The Mass, Internment, & luncheon. Job well done Grosse Rhode’s, We were touched by the family musicians, singers, & choice of music. The remarks from an old friend & high school teacher Father Shane were spot on and he held it together. The car procession through the old neighborhood & the new trees, and the neighborhood pride presented by old generation and new, are so impressive. Death & grieving in my humble opinion is unique to us all, The entire Grosse Rhode family present and not present are so admired, & loved so, so much. The perseverance and strength of Mrs. Gross Rhode, (remarks from Fr. Shane) remind me at least that we never, ever, lose Hope. As Mrs Grosse Rhode sure did, we can make each day better. Thanks for reading.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest peacefully Mrs Grosse- Rhode. We had some awesome times with some of the kids growing up. What a special person and special family.
God Bless and Love to all. Billy Scheibeler and the entire Scheibeler family. ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Theresa and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. May memories of your mom bless your hearts.
What an amazing woman… Sending prayers, and a wish that you all find peace in what must be a history of abundant memories 🦋
I always enjoyed seeing Ellen when she came out to visit Mom and Jerry, one of the last visits she came to the house and we introduced her to our herd of goats, she wanted pictures with them! My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the entire family!
To the entire Grosse-Rhode family,
I attended St.Cecilia’s grade school along with some of the Grosse-Rhodes’s, and remember the devastating loss of your father. Years later, we moved to Lakeland Estates, where I would see your mom out walking and always thought of your family, as I do know, and send my deepest condolences.
My dear neighbors, I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I’m hopeful fond memories and time with each other help during this time.
I have such incredibly fond memories of your mom and all of you. And am also sorry I’m unable to be there for this celebration of your mother’s life. What an amazing woman, who raised such an incredible family. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and smiling at the memories.
Love,
Bobby
I can only agree with my brother Bobby. Wishing you all love and peace as you grieve and celebrate your amazing mom.
Dear Grosse-Rhode Family,
I’m so terribly sad for the loss of your amazing mother! She was truly one of a kind, strong, beautiful, intelligent, organized, and soft-spoken.Ellen was an example of a humble mother! The memories I have of the Grosse-Rhode family are very dear to my heart.. My thoughts & prayers are w/ you all . Love
The Halpine Family
So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have many fond childhood memories of the Grosse-Rhodes. With much sympathy to you family.
I still live in the neighborhood, and walked by your family home on 41st St., quite often. It brings back memories of a thriving family that survived the death of your father, due to the strength and fortitude of Ellen, and her children.. I had no idea of all the accomplishments she made on her own after Ken had passed, and the many varied interests, hobbies, and volunteer activities she was involved in.. She was a remarkable woman and mother.
Dear Theresa and Grosse-Rhode Family,
I am so sorry for loss of your beloved Ellen. I have very fond memories of your Beautiful, Sweet, Lovely Mother ! She assisted leading our Brownie Troop; so sweet patient and kind! Praying for your family. My deepest condolences, love from WA,
Sincerely,
Marguerite Kirby
So sorry to hear of you mothers passing
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