Rose Johnson Sippel passed away on May 9th, 2006 from lung cancer. She was diagnosed shortly after our last reunion. Linda Gierloff Nicholas and I were constant visitors at the end, very honored and humbled to be a part of her very brave fight. She never complained about treatment, and never missed work until the end. After a couple stays in the hospital, she was able to return home and be cared for by her husband and 2 sons, who were very committed and devoted to her wonderful care. Dave was 25 and Steve, 22 when Rose passed. Her husband, Dan, is our dear friend. Rose and I became friends as freshman in gym class. Our alphabetical “number-off” system of role-call put us in line next to each other. After graduation our mutual friend, Linda (who’d been a dear friend of Rose’s since 1st grade at St. Thomas), went off to school, leaving Rose and I in town where we both began our working days. We became good buddies, and shared a lot of laughs, stupid mischief, and several great trips. We could always find something that made us both giggle, having great fits of laughter, tears rolling down our faces. She was always up for an adventure or something to do. This 45th reunion will be hard to attend without her, as we both worked on the last couple of reunions. Rose was truly a great friend, and very sadly missed. Writing a memory profile for such a dear friend is about the last thing I’d ever dreamed I’d be doing. I treasure our many great memories. Cheryl (Kinsey) Burden
Cheryl: You wrote a beautiful memory profile about Rose and, no doubt, she is looking down and feeling loved by the words you wrote. I am sure she is watching over you even now and will be with you in spirit at the reunion in October. Peace, Bonnie Falcone
Cheryl Kinsey (Burden)
Rose Johnson Sippel passed away on May 9th, 2006 from lung cancer. She was diagnosed shortly after our last reunion. Linda Gierloff Nicholas and I were constant visitors at the end, very honored and humbled to be a part of her very brave fight. She never complained about treatment, and never missed work until the end. After a couple stays in the hospital, she was able to return home and be cared for by her husband and 2 sons, who were very committed and devoted to her wonderful care. Dave was 25 and Steve, 22 when Rose passed. Her husband, Dan, is our dear friend. Rose and I became friends as freshman in gym class. Our alphabetical “number-off” system of role-call put us in line next to each other. After graduation our mutual friend, Linda (who’d been a dear friend of Rose’s since 1st grade at St. Thomas), went off to school, leaving Rose and I in town where we both began our working days. We became good buddies, and shared a lot of laughs, stupid mischief, and several great trips. We could always find something that made us both giggle, having great fits of laughter, tears rolling down our faces. She was always up for an adventure or something to do. This 45th reunion will be hard to attend without her, as we both worked on the last couple of reunions. Rose was truly a great friend, and very sadly missed. Writing a memory profile for such a dear friend is about the last thing I’d ever dreamed I’d be doing. I treasure our many great memories. Cheryl (Kinsey) Burden
Rose and Dan Sippel, Feb.'2006
Bonnie Falcone
Cheryl: You wrote a beautiful memory profile about Rose and, no doubt, she is looking down and feeling loved by the words you wrote. I am sure she is watching over you even now and will be with you in spirit at the reunion in October. Peace, Bonnie Falcone