In Loving Memory of Rose M. Gillmore age 87

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rose M. Gillmore, age 87, on Saturday June 27,2026 whose remarkable life was defined by hard work, unwavering love for her family, quick wit, and generous spirit.

Funeral services will be held, 11:00 Friday morning July 3, 2026, at the Wayne Zion Church with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello.  Friends may call from 4 until 7 Thursday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, and after 10:00 at the church on Friday.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Vicki (Darrell Taylor) Gillmore, Shelly (Dave) Hosch, Kurt (Tammy) Gillmore, daughter-in-law Marcy Gillmore, and Joe (Katie) Dooley; her partner of sixteen years, Mike Dooley; along with her grandchildren, Preston (Alexandra) Stingley, Kaylynn (Shane) Yarolem, Kenneth (Taylor) Hosch, Kole Hosch, Dakota (Heidi) Gillmore, Kiersten (Christian Curl) Gillmore, Aspen (Wesley) Henderson, Nathaniel (Desteny) Appleby, Cassandra (Stephanie) Gillmore, Caleb (Averi Goodale) Gillmore, Luna Dooley, 15 great-grandchildren, her sister, Alice (Roger) Wagner, and in-laws, Keith (Carol) Gillmore, M.G. Evan Gillmore,  Roberta Teller, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends who will miss her deeply. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Bruce Gillmore, and sons, Chris Gillmore, infant son Marshall Gillmore, her sister, Helen Hubert.

Rose Marie Lubs was born April 25, 1939, at Bellevue, Iowa to August and Clara Kohlburg Lubs. She was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church, St. Donatus and was confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Dubuque, Rose graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1957.  She met her future husband Bruce while working at the Comet Drive In.  Rose married Bruce Gilmore on November 14, 1959, at St. Peter Lutheran Church.   Anyone who knew Rose knew she was always on the go. She was one of the hardest workers you could ever meet, dedicating herself to both her family and her career at Georgia-Pacific, where she retired after 23 years of service in 2001.

In her younger years, Rose loved snowmobiling, spending time with her cherished circle of friends in Monticello, gathering with family and friends at their cabins on Lake Delhi, and making memories socializing at Bluff Lake. As the years went by, her adventurous spirit never faded. She loved exploring new places, relaxing by the river, sharing time with family and friends, treating herself to ice cream, and attending church services with her dear partner Mike—often followed by spirited domino games that brought out her competitive side.

Throughout her life, Rose was known for her sharp sense of humor, generous heart, and deep love for her beloved Yorkshire Terriers. She faithfully looked forward to her weekly salon appointments with Jan Toenjes, Rose Cook, Kristy Goetz, and her granddaughter Kaylynn. She also had a flair for fashion, delighting in beautiful clothes and shoes, and she never turned down a perfectly mixed Black Velvet and Diet Pepsi.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about Rose was that, even during the final 18 months of her life while residing at Pinicon Place Memory Care, her nurturing heart never diminished. Her family found comfort and amazement in watching her continue to "mother" everyone around her, affectionately referring to the staff and fellow residents as "the kids." Caring for others was simply who she was.

Rose leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and kindness. Though she will be profoundly missed, her family finds comfort knowing her love will continue to live on in the countless memories she created and the lives she touched.

She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.