Rosella M. Houk

Rosella M. Houk, 89, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Monday, July 31st, 2023, at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side. 

Rosella was born on November 21st, 1933, in Brookfield, WI, the daughter of Martin and Rose (Stahl) Witterholt. She grew up in the Palmyra area and graduated from Palmyra High School. Rosella married Paul Houk, Sr. on June 25th, 1955, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle, WI and the two went on to enjoy many years of marriage together until Paul, Sr’s death in 1993. The Lord blessed their union with four children, Paul, Jr., Theresa, Kevin, and Tammie. Rosella worked as a waitress for a short time but the job she loved most was taking care of her large family. She was an amazing Wife, Mom, and Gram to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Rosella spent countless hours caring for her grandchildren in her home and created some of the most wonderful childhood memories for them in doing so. She was the type of Mother and Gram that put everyone else’s needs before her own. She was an amazing model of quiet strength and fortitude and lived her life with grace and kindness. Even as she suffered numerous physical ailments or health setbacks, her concern was always for the well-being of her family. She will be dearly remembered as a Superwoman to those who knew her personally, as well as someone who loved a good laugh and the ability to share her silly sense of humor with those around her. She will be remembered for her delicious home cooked meals and holiday dinners, apple pies, and famous Christmas cookies, her love for a good cup of black coffee and talking on the phone with family for hours, her back-to-school dance, her laugh, her ability to take selfies with the grandkids no matter how she was feeling, but most importantly her heart. There will never be another like her for the family that loved her so very much. 

Rosella is survived by her four children, Paul (Kelly) Houk, Jr. of Palmyra, Theresa (Thomas) Earle of Palmyra, Kevin Houk of Palmyra, and Tammie (Roger) Smith of Palmyra; her dear grandchildren, Jennifer (William) Tucker of Palmyra, Roger (Cassey) Smith of Palmyra, Paul “Frank” (Kristin) Houk, III., of Sullivan, Kristen (Martin) Nunez of Fort Atkinson, Stephen (Rachel) Houk of Antigo, Kylie (Jake) Fredrickson of Slinger, Shawna (Ohm) Pandya of Sussex, Shane (SaraRose) Houk of Palmyra, Brittany (Oliver) Lanigan of Littleton, CO, Shannon Houk of Watertown and Mikayla Houk of Germantown; her great-grandchildren, Liam, Adelyn, Jude, Abram, Eden, Ezra, Niko, Silas, Luke, Baby Girl on-the-way, Aya, Irie, Evren, Dawson, and Delanie; and her brother, Jerry (Joanne) Witterholt. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Paul Houk, Sr., her sister Lucy Witterholt, brothers Clarence (Dorothy) Witterholt, Joe (Sylvia) Witterholt, and Elmer (Iola) Witterholt. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Eagle, WI with Fr. Jordan Berghouse presiding. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM until the time of Mass at the Church. Rosella will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband following the Mass and Luncheon at 3:00PM in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI. 

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com.  

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