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James ‘Jim’ Anthony Rose

ESCANABA — James “Jim” Anthony Rose passed away peacefully at home early Monday morning April 20, 2020, surrounded by family.

Jim was born on Nov. 9th, 1927, in Gladstone, Mich. He was the son of George and Bertha Rose. He attended All Saints Catholic School and graduated from Gladstone Public High School in 1945. During his teen years he helped his dad with their large family garden. He also lifted nets for local commercial fisherman George Holmberg. He was drafted in 1946 and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Upon his return to Gladstone, Jim played for the Gladstone Indians hockey team which traveled regionally and also played a game against the inmate team at the state prison in Marquette.

Jim married the love of his life, Luella Stasewich on April 23, 1955, at All Saints Church in Gladstone. He readily took on the responsibility of helping her raise her younger brothers and sisters as their parents had passed away a few years before. It didn’t take long for the younger siblings to see Jim as a father figure, and for some he and Lu were the only parents they remembered. Father’s Day, his birthday, Christmas and other holidays would find each of them stopping by to wish him well. Within the first nine years of marriage Jim and Lu also welcomed six children of their own. Their door was always open and the coffee pot was always on for friends and family to stop by and visit.

Jim first worked at Atlas Plywood Company and then Buckeye Veneer in Gladstone until 1959 when he was hired at Harnischfeger in Escanaba where he worked in the template shop and on the burning tables. He also helped design the pedestal for the vintage plane displayed at the Delta County Airport entrance.

Jim and Lu played tavern and church league dartball for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and produced baby cribs, desks, dressers, knick-knacks, and various prizes for family get-togethers and community and church events. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone who asked, from remodeling projects to sharpening kids skates.

Jim bought property on the Escanaba River in Cornell where he built a camp in 1956. When arson destroyed his camp his family and friends helped him build a new one in 1982. He loved spending time in the outdoors and especially time at camp. He was an avid fly fisherman, spending hours tying flies in his workshop and hours catching trout in the river. Deer and bird hunting were among his outdoor passions. He spent many successful deer seasons at camp with his sons, grandsons, brother-in-law and nephew. In the summer he would cut firewood for home with help from his brother Richard and sons and daughters. If winter camp was not accessible by road, he would either snowshoe or ski to camp, usually with one or more of his children joining the trek.

He was a member of St. Thomas Church in Escanaba and an early member of the Escanaba River Association.

Survivors include his children: James (Ann) Rose of Washington Island, WI; Mark (Jean) Rose and Karen (David) Wils, all of Escanaba; Michael G. (Kerry-Ann) Rose of St. Paul, Minn.; and Dave (Debbie) Rose and Lori Rose, all of Escanaba. In addition he is survived by grandchildren Jack Rose, Luc Rose, Greg (Tricia) Rose, Matthew Rose, and Kristy Rose (Joe Johnson), all of Wisconsin; Michael C. Rose and Amanda Rose of Minnesota; Maggie Rose of Chicago, Ill., Alisa Fox of Arizona; and Escanaba residents Robert Wils, Ellen Wils, Simon Rose and Todd Rose. In addition he is survived by his sister-in-law who was like a daughter to him, Sandy (Joe Sr.) Verbrigghe of Escanaba, brother-in-law Larry (Mary Ann) Krause of Rapid River, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, brothers, and sisters, Jim was preceded in death by Luella on April 1, 2009 and her siblings Rita Eubank, Patricia Madsen, Richard “Dick” Stasewich, James Stasewich, Nancy Hendrickson, Bob Stasewich and Mary Ann Little.

Family and friends are welcome to join in the celebration of Jim’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 7 at 12 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will follow at the USW (Mead) Union Hall, 1201 Sheridan Road, Escanaba.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Name Catholic School or Delta Animal Shelter.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.