Rose Switalski

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Rose Switalski, 89, of Gaylord, Michigan, formerly of Taylor, Michigan, passed away on July 24, 2019. She was the beloved wife to her husband Frank, for 70 years, and a lifelong faithful member of the Catholic Church.

She was born Rosebelle Dreffs, in Johannesburg, Michigan, on December 19, 1929, to Alex and Veronica Dreffs. She was one of ten siblings and was instrumental in raising several of them.

Rose was active in her church and her community, chairing bingo for 30 years, regularly volunteering at voter polls, and donating countless gallons of blood. She loved to have fun, playing softball until age 60 and frequently traveling to the beloved family cottage on Manuka Lake. She enjoyed card games, the family favorite LCR, and trips to the casino; and no matter what the game she always seemed to come out a winner.

Above all, Rose loved her family. She was a mother to many beyond her own children, freely offering her love, balanced with her famous “roll of the eyes”, that brought her family joy to the very end. She leaves us all with memories too numerous to recount with highlights including; morel hunting, polka music, and her famous hamburgers wrapped in wax paper.

She leaves a legacy of love and deep commitment to family, and she was surrounded by this to the end.

Rose is survived by her husband; children; Joan Leinbach, Jeanette (Ken) Gawkowski, Chip (Kris) Switalski, Marilynn Hammond, Tom (Wendy) Switalski, Jerry (Lynn) Switalski, Therese “Terri” McKay; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Virgil (Kathy) Dreffs; sister Marcie Goosen; and brother and sisters-in-laws; Stanley “Styke” (Anne) Switalski; Julia “Julie” Prusakiewicz, Lucille “Lucy” Dombkowski, Polly Switalski, Shirley Dreffs, and Prudy Dreffs.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Agatha “Aggie”, Lawrence “Larry”, Monica “Monnie”, Vincent “Bill”, Cyril “Cy”, Valentine “Val”, Floyd “Doc”; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and son-in-law, Michael Hammond.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Cathedral.

Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Thursday, July 25, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being offered at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church, on Friday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

5 comments on “Rose Switalski”

  1. Virgil/Diane Prusakiewicz Wiechec

    Our deepest sympathies to the family of Aunt Rosie. She will be missed from the simple card game of 500 rummy to the many talks and laughs we shared.

  2. Vanessa Rowan (Prusakiewicz)

    Aunt Rosie and Uncle Hoover, two of my favorite people in the ‘clan’. I was blessed to be a part of this crazy family for many years! Rest in peace, you leave so much love, laughter and memories with your amazing family!

  3. Janet Wiechec Seidell

    Uncle Hoover and family- so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. I have many fond memories growing up and being around Auntie Rosie. Most recently at our family Christmas party in December, she looked at me and had a big smile and reached for me. I knew she knew me but couldn’t verbalize it. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! My deepest sympathy!

  4. Mark and Karen Dombkowski

    Uncle Hoover and family-you are in our prayers and we are so very sorry for your loss.

  5. The Lawrence Respecki Family

    It was with great sadness that we learned of Aunt Rosie’s passing. We have so many happy memories of our visits with your family. Aunt Rosie , Uncle Hoover, Mom and Dad would talk about the old days and play cards. Aunt Rosie would have a big bowl of Jello ready for all the kids. She was responsible for turning the Respecki kids on to chip dip. It’s funny how something like that stays in your mind almost 60 years later. We must have been awfully noisy when we all got together, but I never remember her getting mad at anyone.
    The last time we saw Aunt Rosie and Uncle Hoover was at our fathers funeral. Their presence was a great comfort to our whole family. Uncle Hoover and all of our ” cousins ” , you are in our hearts and prayers.
    Angela Respecki and family, Gary, Linda, Sharon, Diane, Kevin, Dennis, and Julie

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