Rose Marie Estlund
September 7, 1939 – October 8, 2024
Rose Marie Estlund, 85, of Omaha, NE lived a full life and died of cancer on October 8, 2024. Born to Leonard and Veronica George, and raised on a family farm outside Clare, Iowa, she was the oldest of five children. Growing up she participated in 4H, laying the foundation for the talented homemaker she would eventually become.
She fell in love with William (Bill) Estlund who became a communications technician in the Air Force, continuing to court her from overseas. Meanwhile, she attended St. Joseph Mercy College of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated and became a Registered Nurse in 1960, purchasing a brand new 1961 Comet with her earnings.
In 1962 she married Bill, eventually becoming the devoted mother of Troy and Tricia. She was an extremely supportive and empathetic nurse for over 50 years and served thousands of patients in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and South Dakota. She loved spending time with friends and family, gardening, bird watching, flower arranging, watching Caitlin Clark play basketball, and traveling. She was thrilled to take one last trip with Troy to see Tulip Season in Amsterdam, then on a Rhine Cruise, ending with a trip to Paris.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband Bill; parents Leonard and Veronica; brother Bill; sister Linda and brother-in-law Don.
She is survived by son Troy, daughter Tricia, sisters Dorothy Van Hyfte and Martha (Dennis) Donovan, and many adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.
VIGIL SERVICE with NURSE HONOR GUARD PRESENTATION: Thursday, October 17, 2024, 7:00PM, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, in the Chapel, 15353 Pacific Street, Omaha with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday October 18, 2024, at 9:30AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
INTERMENT and GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friday, October 18, 2024, at 3:30PM at St. James Cemetery, Clare, Iowa
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family to give to the Omaha College of St. Mary and Creighton University nursing programs in honor of Rose’s nursing career and in hopes of supporting the next generation of nurses.
To view a live Broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “LiveCast” button at the top of the homepage.
7 Comments
Sending my love and condolences, Trish, I have great memories of Rose tolerating our antics (at every age, lol) and loving us anyway! She was a very special lady. I am lucky to have known her!
I’m so sorry, Tricia. I’ll never forget your mom’s warmth and kindness. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Rose and Bill were the best our sympathies
Rose and Bill were a real blessing to us. Thank you Troy and Trisha for sharing them with us. I truly regret not making it down to Omaha the past few years. Blessings to you both.
My deepest sympathy in the passing of your mother. I got to know her through her neighbor Nancy J. She was full of energy and didn’t let grass grow under her feet. God Bless
WE ARE SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF OUR AUXILIARY SISTER AND LIFE MEMBER ROSE.
VFW POST 628 AUXILIARY
DIANA WELLS–CHAPLAIN
It was a real joy to meet Rose with Troy last year in Alsace and visit home place of the George family. So far but so close in our hearts .
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