Rosaline Isabel Gaines, 76, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026.
She was born on October 17, 1949, in Sacramento, California, to the late Frank and Dorothy (Dalske) Pierson. After moving to Wisconsin and beginning her life as a wife and mother, Rose embraced farm life. She and her first husband operated a hobby farm, and later, with her second husband, she helped run a dairy farm that remained close to her heart throughout her life. Rose was incredibly proud of the years she and her children spent on the farm, especially the time she spent working in the fields and driving the tractor. Those experiences shaped the strong work ethic, independence, and determination that defined her for the rest of her life.
Rose dedicated her life to helping others. After farming, her daughter encouraged her to go back to school, where she got her degree, and she began her career in social work as an AODA counselor, where she found purpose in supporting people through difficult times with compassion and understanding. Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to own and operate a deli, “Bubba’s Bayou Deli,” a neighborhood bar, “Bubba’s Country Crossroads”, a coffee shop, a Food Wagon, and finally a U-Haul business and bait shop, all of which she did alongside her husband, Bubba. Whatever role she took on, Rose's greatest gift was connecting with people.
After losing her husband, Bubba, Rose never lost her independence. She learned the City Bus route and would use it to get downtown. Even in later years, she could often be seen riding her scooter to CVS, Krist Station, and the Yummy Deli, sharing smiles with everyone she met along the way—and perhaps leaving behind a trail of sunflower seeds. She took great joy in watching those flowers bloom and was heartbroken when the city mowed down the beautiful sunflower path she had lovingly created.
Rose had a generous heart and a zest for life. She loved going out to eat, horseback riding, traveling, visiting the casino, and trying her luck with scratch-off lottery tickets—especially the crossword scratchers. She was a hopeless romantic and a dreamer, always talking about the next place she hoped to visit and looking forward to the next adventure.
An exceptional cook, Rose shared her love through food. She passed her cooking skills on to her children, and they will forever cherish the family meals she prepared with so much love and care. Her Indian tacos were legendary and will be especially missed around the family table.
She found joy in life's simple pleasures, whether feeding the birds and squirrels outside her home or sitting down to hear someone's life story. Rose never met a stranger. She welcomed everyone with open arms, and by the end of every conversation, she had made a new friend. She believed everyone had a story worth hearing, and she genuinely wanted to know it.
Her generosity extended far beyond her family. Rose faithfully supported multiple charities and was always willing to lend a helping hand. If you needed a break from life's challenges, she was the friend who would tell you to hop in the car so the two of you could escape for a good meal, a few laughs, and a chance to forget your worries, even if only for a little while.
Rose's sense of humor was unforgettable. She loved making people laugh and often joked that she was proud to have outlived "all of her ex-husbands." Her quick wit, contagious laughter, and playful spirit brought joy to countless lives.
More than anything, Rose loved her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to Jennifer (Tom Malone) Lukes, Damian Betts, Gabrielle (Julio) Rojas, Georgianna (Jeff) Szymanski, and Rorydale (Shannon) Genrich. Her family was the center of her world.
She was the proud grandmother of Morgan, Kaitlin, Zandria (Austin), Jilisa, JadenRose, Jonathan, Reyden (Caitlyn), Isaiah, Xavier, Nicholas, Johnathon, Lilyan, Violet, Dayton, Dominic, and Lincoln, and the treasured great-grandmother of Levi and Layni.
Rose is also survived by her siblings: Dennis (Jeanette) Pierson, Toni (Len) Malik, Delphine (Tom) Taft, Karen (Dave Barrick) Cichucki, and Geri (Joe Trevino) Armijo, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.
Rose was an integral part of the community she called home. She will forever be remembered for the kindness, friendship, laughter, and generosity that she and her beloved, Bubba, shared with everyone they met. Her door was always open, her table always had room for one more, and her heart always had space for another friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dorothy (Dalske) Pierson.
Although her presence will be deeply missed, Rose's adventurous spirit, unwavering generosity, infectious humor, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The lessons she taught, the meals she shared, the stories she listened to, and the friendships she created will remain a lasting legacy for generations to come.
The family would like to thank Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation, Cedar Creek Manor, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice for the exceptional care they gave Rose. They would also like to thank Ashley Salzwedel and Roseanne for being such a big part of Rose's life; as well as the countless friends and neighbors who would offer to help over the years. You were all a blessing to Rose.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place. Please check back for service and burial details. John J Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family. Family and friends may go to www.honorone.com for service details and to leave online condolences and words of remembrance.
