Kathryn “Katie” A. Rose

Kathryn “Katie” A.  Rose 

January 17, 1932 – May 27, 2024

Kathryn “Katie” A.  Rose, was born January 17, 1932, in Crete, Nebraska, and passed away May 27, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 70 years,  Merrill “Pete” Rose; parents, John and Otilie Kabley; and sister, Evelyn.  She is survived by daughter, Teri, son, Dave and his wife, Cheri; grandsons, Jeff and Alex.

Crete had a population of 3,000 – a great size for Katie growing up.  The family owned a car dealership and garage.  Katie enjoyed her childhood and made life-long friends.  A major attraction was the Tuxedo Park bandstand where well known ‘Big Bands’ performed; likely sparking her love of dancing.

Doane College was in Crete and one day walking home after Cheerleading practice Katie noticed a ‘cute college boy’ who was wearing a waist-to-ankle cast due to a football injury.  Merrill “Pete” Rose and Katie began dating, married in 1951, and delighted each other until Pete passed in 2021.

A high school teaching and coaching job for Pete took the newlyweds to Geneva for 1952 and 1953.  Katie was a secretary at the County Welfare Office.  Big city lure drew them to Lincoln in 1954, and Katie plied her shorthand and typing skills at Bankers Life.  Teri arrived in 1955, and David, two years later. In 1960, they built a house on the outskirts of Lincoln, next to Katie’s best friend from Crete.  Teri and Dave have fond memories of growing up there.

Katie was active in Junior League, Mrs. JCs, and on a bowling team for years.  She and Pete enjoyed dance clubs and were in a couple’s bridge group with many friends.  The family joined Hillcrest Country Club, and although Katie didn’t golf, she took pains to get Teri and Dave to early morning swim lessons.  A favorite club activity was the 4th of July picnic and fireworks.  In 1964, Pete and Katie got season tickets in the new South stadium, and Big Red Saturdays were enjoyed for 50 years.

Katie frequently joined Pete on business trips which allowed them to see much of the U.S.  By 1970, Pete was getting job offers in Houston and New Jersey.  Katie was convinced Nebraska was the best place for her family and they compromised with a move to Omaha.  Even then, mom was anxious over her kids in a “big city.”

Joining Oak Hills Country Club was one of the best decisions Pete and Katie made.  Teri and Dave had a blast at the pool and Katie loved Friday night Bingo.  Once the kids left home Katie took up golf and she and Pete were a formidable pairing in club events.  Katie and a friend twice played in the Nebraska Women’s State Golf tournament.  In 1976, Pete and Katie moved to an Oak Hills townhouse- with a swimming pool a few steps out their back door.  As intended, the pool served as a magnet for their kids and grandkids to visit  often.  Pete and Katie spent forty years within the Oak Hills community, amongst some of the best friends anyone could ask for.

Teri stayed in Omaha and Katie cherished all the time they had together; especially pet sitting.  Dave’s family mostly lived in Texas and North Carolina.  Pete and Katie enjoyed throwing their golf clubs in the trunk and making a leisurely drive to visit; usually extending the trip for a week at the beach, a little golf, or both.

Pete and Katie spent their final years in a delightful apartment at Immanuel’s Arboretum where Katie became a fixture at the weekly Bingo. They made many friends and cherished the supportive staff.

VISITATION: Friday, May 31st, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., followed by FUNERAL SERVICE at 11:30 a.m., West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.

Interment, Evergreen Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Siena Francis House.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page or use links below.