Rose Marie Jessen

Rosie M. Jessen, 91, of Pine Bluffs, formerly of Sidney, went to be with Jesus, on October 30, 2026, where she is now free from disability, pain, and earthly limitations. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026 at the Pine Bluffs Community Center in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming with Pastor Dan DeBruyn officiating. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m., with family present from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Friends may also visit www.cantrellfh.com to share stories and condolences with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pine Bluffs Fire Department and/or the Pine Bluffs Ambulance Service in Rosie's memory. The services for Rosie have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

While our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort knowing Rosie is whole, happy, and at peace.

Rosie was born on November 7, 1934, on the family homestead in Lodgepole, Nebraska, to Morris and Ilse Jessen.

In 1937, when Rosie was just a young child, a tragic accident changed the course of her life. She fell from a wheat truck, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. During that time, schools did not accept children with disabilities, so her parents made the decision to homeschool her and arranged for a tutor to help with her education.

Rosie would often tell the story in her own special way: "Can't find no school, I pick up rocks!" She was referring to helping her dad on the farm, a job that apparently involved plenty of rocks and sunflowers—two things Rosie made it very clear she did not care for! She continued telling that story right up until the day she passed, making it one of the many memories her family will forever cherish.

Despite the challenges she faced, Rosie lived a life filled with experiences, friendships, family, and love. She participated in the Special Olympics for many years and worked at a local warehouse in Sidney, Nebraska, stuffing envelopes and cutting paper. She took great pride in earning her own little paycheck, which she happily spent on candy and pop!

During her years in Sidney, Michael and Sharon Jessen regularly took Rosie to the movies and out for something to eat. Even after Rosie moved to Wyoming, they continued making special trips to visit her. Rosie was always so excited to see them. Whether it was the blankets, coloring books, or simply the joy of having visitors, those visits meant the world to her.

After moving to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, Rosie enjoyed many summer days at Lake Mac with her niece, Debra Childress, and the Thompson family. She loved riding around in the golf cart, hunting for frogs, and enjoying and an ice cold beer. Those carefree summer days created memories that will be treasured forever.

In 2012, after living in a group home in Sidney for more than 35 years, Rosie made a new home with her great-nephew Todd and his wife, Michelle Thompson, and their six children: Hunter, Paige, Kendra, Kenzie, Reed, and Alex. They welcomed Rosie into their home and their family, where she spent the next 16 years surrounded by love, laughter, and the everyday joys of being part of a family.

Rosie became quite the traveler with the Thompsons! She had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, Mexico, St. George, Utah, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Michelle's hometown of Susanville, California. In her younger years, Rosie had also traveled with her parents to Germany, where her mother, Ilse was born and raised before immigrating to the United States in 1930 to help Morris raise his four sons and work on the family farm.

Over the years, Rosie rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Thompson children at their sporting events. She became a familiar and much-loved face at the games. And, of course, there was always someone from the snack bar making sure Rosie got her favorite stale popcorn and a pop!

Rosie had many simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She loved McDonald's, which she affectionately called "Donald's," Red Lobster, watching John Wayne, Little House on the Prairie, and movies starring her "boyfriend," Elvis Presley. She enjoyed beadwork and made necklaces for everyone who came through the Thompson home. She loved writing her name and coloring in her many, many coloring books.

But more than anything, Rosie loved having her family around. She cherished family mealtimes, as long as there was no lettuce or salad on the menu! She never met a stranger and was always ready with a hug or a kiss for just about anyone she encountered.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Ilse Jessen; her brothers, Henry Jessen, Raymond Jessen, Johnny Jessen, Leo Jessen and her sisters, Ruth Jessen Tipsword and Ruby Jessen Hippen.

Rosie was the last of her generation and leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, along with the many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched.

Rosie was a bright light in both the Jessen and Thompson families. She reminded us that happiness can be found in life's simplest pleasures, that love needs no words, and that family is one of life's greatest blessings.

She leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, hugs, kisses, handmade necklaces, coloring books, and memories that will forever bring smiles to the faces of those who loved her.

To know Rosie was to love her.

Rest peacefully, Rosebud You will be missed more than words can ever say, but your love and the joy you brought into our lives will remain with us forever.