Rose Ann Swartz

Rose Ann Sadler Swartz, born October 4, 1939, in New Albin, IA passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 84 years of age. Parents Urban “Steve” and Leona Sadler raised Rose Ann in Postville, IA along with her precious dog, Tiny. Rose Ann’s story is one of achieving, leading, caring and supporting through the variety of life’s settings. By her self-description Rose Ann was a shy child from a family of modest means. Her first job outside of home was that of dishwashing during her 4th grade noon hour where her older sister was waitressing. When her grade school class struggled to come up with a name for a writing club Rose Ann had an unexpressed idea. Her teacher asked, “Rose Ann, do you have an idea to share?” She offered “English Eagles.” English Eagles was formed and that teacher-lead moment launched an educator, leader and advisor that impacted the world around her.

Rose Ann went on to be a class officer, head cheerleader, bass clarinetist in concert and dance bands and snare drummer in the Postville Pirate marching band. She earned #1 musician ratings in high school state competitions. She and her lifelong best friend Mary foiled the town constable’s search while sneaking around in dead dark in their own version of mischief.

She attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) with the help of a loan from the hometown P. E. O., a philanthropic educational organization for women. She soon became a valued student leader at UNI, serving as an officer and then president of then Phi Sigma Phi sorority and as a resident assistant in the freshman dorm. She became the first national female president of Future Business Leaders of America which included a Chicago speaking engagement including an introduction of the legendary Mayor Daley and an internship in Washington, DC. In 1961 she was inducted into Purple Key, the University’s highest student award for scholarship, leadership and extra-curricular participation.

In 1961 she married Fred Swartz and moved into a UNI men’s residence hall where her husband was a graduate resident director. She supported his educational goals while teaching secretarial skills at the Gates Business College. During that time their first son, Mark, was born. Upon competition of Fred’s studies, the family moved to Hiram College where Fred had been hired in Student Affairs. She taught in Garrettsville, OH and Aurora, OH during their four years there. Next was a four-year stay in Athens, OH where she continued teaching at the newly formed Nelsonville Technical College. In 1968 her second son Matthew was born.

In 1971 the family moved to Big Rapids, MI where her husband had joined Ferris State University. She initiated a highly popular creative newspaper column featuring favorite recipes of community members. She served as the leader of a multi-county center for challenged adults and was a co-chair for the community’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. In 1976 she joined the Ferris State secretarial education program as a part-time instructor and enrolled in the Master’s degree program at Central Michigan University at the same time. Upon degree competition she joined the Ferris State College of Business faculty as an Assistant Professor.

During her two-plus decades in the university classroom Rose Ann was in the forefront of developments in business education. Secretarial education became a Bachelor's degree program in Office Management. Rose Ann facilitated the development of team building via active learning groups, and in doing so, found her true passion. As her effectiveness became known, she was sought by the graduate faculty from Information Systems Management and Criminal Justice to support their needs to improve students’ communication skills in work groups.

Rose Ann was the recipient of the University’s Distinguished Teacher Award and the Ferris Professional Women’s Award in 1987. She was sought out to serve on university-wide committees dealing with challenging and sensitive issues. In 1985, with seemingly endless energy, she enrolled in Michigan State University doctoral program in Higher Education and received her Ph.D. in 1989.

She retired as full professor from Ferris State in 2001. Upon retirement she moved to the East Lansing area and became an ardent supporter of Spartan athletics, in particular, football and women’s basketball. She was especially fond of the Wharton Center programs and College of Music programs. She proudly joined Chapter BB of P.E.O. as an opportunity to give back for the college loan she previously received.

As a party planner Rose Ann brought relevant themes to graduations, birthdays, first jobs and tailgates. Lasting memories were created. In summers she hosted the annual Grandma Camp. With themes ranging from Colonial Days to the 2008 Summer Olympics, this most prestigious camp provided incredible childhood memories for her granddaughter and her friends.

Rose Ann was dearly loved by her family and the extended families she formed, namely, the Ah-Ha Women, the Rainbow Seven Women and the Venezuelan families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three sisters, Niara Harris, Delores Thoma and Eileen Huebner. She is survived by her husband Fred Swartz, son Mark Swartz and wife Debbie of Perry, MI and granddaughter Natalya of Fort Collins, CO, son Matthew Swartz of Grand Rapids, MI and his wife Sonia, many nieces and nephews and their children.

A “Remembering Rose Ann” event will be held in early fall, the date to be announced at a later time. An endowed scholarship at the University of Northern Iowa has been established in her name. Those who wish to recognize her with a gift may do so via:

Rose Ann Sadler Swartz Endowed Scholarship

UNI Foundation

204 Commons

Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282