Paul B. Rosene

Paul B. Rosene, 84, of McCook Lake, S.D., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2007, following a lengthy illness.

A service celebrating Paul's life and his new life in Christ will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 149 Bison Trail, Dakota Dunes. The body will be donated to science and burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service and time of family sharing at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Paul Bernhard Rosene was born in Leeds, Iowa, on April 24, 1923, to John and Emma (Schomacker) Rosene. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. Paul graduated from Leeds High School in 1942, and entered the U.S. Army, proudly volunteering to serve his country in active combat in the Philippines during World War II. Following the war, he spent three years in V.A. hospitals in Des Moines and Minneapolis, recovering from war-related kidney disease.

On April 5, 1950, Paul was united in marriage to Joyce Elaine Junck in Sioux City. This union was blessed with four loving daughters. Joyce passed away on May 8, 1976. Paul graduated from Morningside College in 1950 and the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1953. He was a partner in the Sioux City law firm, Smith and Rosene, for several years before beginning a solo law practice in Sioux City and Jefferson, S.D. Paul served on the Sioux City City Council from 1957 to 1964, and was the mayor pro-tem. He was active in community and church affairs, serving in several leadership positions. Paul was a board member for the American Indian Center in Kansas City for many years.

On Dec. 22, 1983, Paul married Mary Louise Campbell at Yankton, S.D. They made their home at McCook Lake, where Paul enjoyed his retirement years reading, caring for his beloved pets, entertaining family and friends and traveling widely with Mary. He was a lifelong athlete, hunter and avid outdoorsman. Paul will be remembered for his quick wit and great sense of humor. He was devoted to his family and many friends and enjoyed challenging them with lively debates. His mind remained very sharp until the end, and he maintained a keen interest in religion, philosophy, politics, science and many other subjects. Paul was a fierce patriot, a proud veteran, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and a faithful Christian.

He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, American Legion Monahan Post 64, Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Association and the Republican Party.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary; four daughters, Kathy Rosene of Omaha, Cindy (Thomas) Deadrick of Platte, S.D., Connie (John) Persinger and Cheri (Mike) Frankele, all of Sioux City; four grandchildren, Britni and John Paul Persinger and Elaina and Acacia Deadrick; three stepchildren, Terri (Doug) Roehrich and Eddie and Raymond Campbell, all of Sioux City; a brother, Kenneth Rosene of Sioux City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; and sisters, Esther and Donna Rosene.

In a final act of service, Paul donated his earthly remains to the University of South Dakota School of Medicine for medical research and education.