Rosemary Little-Dexter

Rosemary “Rose” Ellen Little-Dexter, age 67, of Brandon, WI (formerly of Berlin and Wild Rose), was born into eternal life on Saturday, August 20, 2022 in Columbus, WI.

Rose was born on August 29, 1954 in Waupun, WI, the daughter of John C. and Helen M. (Bossenbroek) Little. She graduated from Rosendale-Brandon High School in 1972 and went on to receive her bachelor of science degree at UW-Milwaukee in 1976, and continued with extensive graduate school work majoring in education and special education. Rose worked as a CNA in nursing homes in Milwaukee and Fond du Lac, and was a reader for blind students while she was in college. She interned at the Jewish Vocational Services and Jewish Home for the Aged, the Milwaukee Elder Care Services, and for one semester worked with probation and parole. After school she became a social worker and social security consultant at Parkview Care Center for many years, and at Sunnyview Care Center. She then married Charles F. Dexter on December 12, 1983. Rose went on to work at Ripon Medical Center as case manager and community education facilitator for 7 years. She was proud of her work as a social worker for almost 30 years in long-term care at various nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living centers, and in private settings. Rose cherished education and life-long learning.

Throughout her years Rose enjoyed camping, cross-country skiing, reading historical novels, long walks, attending YMCA Livestrong programs, swimming, flower gardening, writing verses/poetry, long road trips around the U.S., inspirational or classical music, and anything and everything in nature. In her last few years she enjoyed participating in cancer walks and relays. She wished to convey a special thank you to all who have helped during her long cancer journey, especially those at UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Mark Burkard, Dr. Kelly Lavin, and Dr. Mark Benson, and also special friends Kelly McNutt White, Erin McNutt Perez, Carol Leonard, and many other friends and former co-workers who had been a very large part of her life. Most important to Rose was her faith. Her faith helped her through many hard times. She wanted her life to be about helping and service to others.

Rose is survived by her sister, Nelda (Jim) Ott of Kaukauna, WI; brothers, Stan (Christi) Little of Grand Marsh, WI and Steve Little of Columbus, WI; mother, Helen Little of Brandon, WI; nieces, Julie (Sean) Laidig and Jennifer (Peter) Alsis both of Stillwater, MN, and Calla (Will) Little of Middleton, WI; step-nieces, Crystal (Steve) Steffen of Champion, MI, Emily Ott of Milwaukee, WI, Jennifer (Randy) Glasheen of Appleton, WI, and Acacia (Tim) Grantham of Tucson, AZ; two nephews, Tyler Little of LaCrosse, WI and Derek (Stacy) Otto of Columbus, MN; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Olivia Rose, Kaylee and Benny Laidig, Isra and Maksim Alsis, Anika and Andre Otto all of MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Dexter; her father, John C. Little; maternal and paternal grandparents, John (Marie) Bossenbroek and John C. (Margaret) Little; and a sister-in-law, Sue Little.

Visitation for Rose will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Rose will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home in Ripon, with Pastor Mike Giebink officiating. Interment will follow at Brandon Cemetery, Brandon, WI. Memorials in her name may be directed to Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org; UW Carbone Cancer Center, 1848 University Ave., Madison, WI 53726; or UW Health Research, 621 Science Dr., Madison, WI 53711.

Rose’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Generations Hospice, a special thank you to Steve for taking her into his house to care for her, and a sincere thank you beyond words to longtime family friend and caregiver to Rose, Denise Barton.