"Correction: 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 Sorry for the confusion. "
In loving memory of
Donald Rosenbauer
March 24, 1934 - August 12, 2014
Mr. Donald E. Rosenbauer, of Grafton, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon. He was 80 years old. Donald was born March 24, 1934 in Milwaukee, the son of Rudolph and Loretta Goetz Rosenbauer. On October 23, 1954, he was united in marriage with Jean Ryan in Milwaukee.
Donald graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Law Enforcement (1975), and received certificates from the FBI National Academy (1972) and National Fire Academy (1978). Donald proudly served his country for 40 years with the US Army. He was a retired CSM with the 84th Division, and high decorated with many military honors. He was honored to be a member of the 84th Division Alumni Association. Donald worked as the Director of Public Safety in Brown Deer for 19 years, and in Jackson for 5 years. He had belonged to the Lions, Knight's Templar, and the WI State Police Chiefs Association and WI State Fire Chiefs Association, where he had also served as President. Since 1979, Donald and Jean wintered in Florida where Donald volunteered with the Sheriff's Department and the local neighborhood area patrol. Donald enjoyed spending time with the many friends he met through the Army, and Police and Fire Associations. He also enjoyed traveling and boating with his family, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Don is survived by his wife Jean of nearly 60 years, and their children: Karen (Gary) Repinski of Cedarburg, Jeffrey (Sheri) of Grafton, and Julie (Martin) Fahler of Germantown. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Nicholas, Emily, Derek, Sara, Forrest, Donovan, Connor, Isabella and Becca, brother-in-law Thomas Ryan, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends. A Funeral Service will be held at 7PM on Friday, August 15 at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave. in Cedarburg. He will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon with full military honors on Saturday at 11AM. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Friday from 3-7PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon or the WI Veterans Home at King. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"I'd like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rosenbauer. I too work in public safety as a FD lieutenant. I have found hope and comfort in these times by reading a few bible passages. Here is a couple that I find particularly comforting: 1 Corinthians 1:3, 4. John 5:28, 29. "
"I had the privilege of being Chief Rosenbauer's first secretary when he was the Director of Pubic Safety in Brown Deer. My sincerest condolences to the family."
"Don was a true American patriot and dedicated public servant. I am saddened by his passing and a proud to have had the opportunity to serve with him."
"I want to express my sincere sympathy for your loss. CSM Rosenbauer was true American Patriot. His quick smile and sense of humor managed to defuse many tense moments. He will be missed by all who knew him. "
"Don was a good friend, former neighbor at Random Lake, and fellow member of the 84th. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him. "
"I served with Don both as a volunteer with the Brown Deer fire department and as a soldier in the 84th Railsplitters. Don was a great leader and always took care of the safety and welfare of the men and women with whom he worked. He will be missed."
"40 years of friendship,teaching,learning and service together following the credo " Duty,Honor,Country " is the wonderful legacy Don and his family have left we survivors - and as a neighbor here in Florida added to the sweetness of the fullness of that legacy. God Speed, Sergeant Major !!"
"I knew Don as a police officer and soldier. We had daughters who competed on Pom Pom squads in common and would meet at competition throughout the area. He was the Chief in Brown Deer while I was an officer in Bayside. He was the 84th Divison CSM, when I was a drill sergeant for 3/334. He was the Chief in Jackson while I was the Chief in Iron Ridge. Don was alway accessible and willing to help a soldier or officer with career or work advise. He was truely dedicated to his communities. He continued to serve even when most would have said, "enough". You will be missed old warrior, see you on the streets of heaven serving and protecting. "
"Rest in peace Uncle Don...though I haven't seen you in decades, my childhood memories of you are forever in my heart. love ~jackie"
"Was so sorry to hear of Don's passing and extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and ask God to provide them strength in the difficult day ahead."
"Don served as a mentor to me when I became President of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association in 2004. He was always there to listen and offer helpful support. He will be missed. "
"A true patriot and "Railsplitter". I have many great memories of my time with Don in the 4th Bde, 84th Division and the 84th Division Alumni Association."
"CSM Rosenbauer was the best of the best.I was honored to serve with him many years. My condolences to his family."
"I am proud to have worked for and served with such a great mentor! CSM Rosenbauer mentored me into what I have become as a Command Sergeant Major and he will truly be missed by us all. Vr, CSM Jenny Bryan (Stehlik)"