Jerome & Malee Rosonke

A Memorial Service for Jerome & Malee Rosonke will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Deacon Vic DeSloover presiding. A joint inurnment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton. Friends are invited back to the funeral home following the inurnment for fellowship and to enjoy a root beer float, a Rosonke family favorite treat.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. prior to the Memorial Service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Dr. Jerome R. Rosonke, 84, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.

Dr. Jerome “Jerry” Rosonke was born on September 21, 1940, to Ben and Clara (Schwickerath) Rosonke in New Hampton, Iowa, where he attended parochial elementary and graduated from public high school.

Jerry’s passion for learning led him on an extraordinary academic journey. He earned his undergraduate degree in Social Sciences from the University of Northern Iowa, then went on to pursue advanced degrees in Sociology and Guidance & Counseling. Jerry’s commitment to education led him to earn two Master’s degrees, one from the University of Iowa and another from South Dakota State University, followed by a PhD in Sociology from South Dakota State.

Outside of education, Jerry’s early work experience included farm labor, carpentry, and various jobs in steel construction, lumber yards, and gravel trucking. His hands-on experience shaped his strong work ethic. Jerry later combined his love for education and athletics in teaching and coaching roles across several communities. He taught and served as Assistant Wrestling Coach in Reinbeck, IA, then went on to teach and become Head Wrestling and Cross Country Coach in Chetek, WI. He continued his coaching career as a Professor and Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and as a Graduate Assistant at South Dakota State University.

His journey is best described in his own words: “The most important and best decision in my life was, after dating a few other girls, to ask Malee Shaw for a date.  From that first date in 1958, we went steady through my college years, and later, in 1963 she become my wife.  We created and raised four great children: LaCinda, Lisa, Brad, and Kimberly. That was the greatest thing I did in my life.”

The family eventually moved to Aberdeen, SD, when Jerry accepted a position with Northern State University. In 28 years at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, Jerry made a lasting impact as a professor, sharing his passion for sociology with students and mentoring many through their academic journeys. Jerry also said, “I enjoy learning, especially about society and history.  As a teacher, I had a good excuse to continue learning: so I could pass it on to the next generation.”

He enjoyed both hunting and fishing as his main recreational activities in his free time. However, his most enjoyable times were when going camping with the whole family.  Camping with the kids provided some of his best memories.

Throughout his career, Jerry received numerous accolades, including the 1968 National Science Foundation Award for his Master’s degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was recognized with the South Dakota Gerontology Association Merit Award (1980), the Teacher of the Year Award at Northern State University (1982), and the South Dakota Corrections Association Outstanding Service Award (1988). Jerry also received the Community Services Award (1994) and the Outstanding Services Award for his leadership in the Social Sciences and History Department (1996) from Northern State University. Other notable honors include the National Achievement Honor Roll (1980), the Great Plains Sociological Association Service Award (2000), and the Volunteers of America Award (2018).

Jerry dedicated much of his life to serving his community through numerous organizations. He was the founder and served on the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Treatment, New Beginnings Center (13 years) and North Plains Hospice (35 years). He also played a key role in the Great Plains Sociological Association, founding the organization and serving in several leadership positions, including President and Chair of the Student Paper Competition. Jerry’s commitment to service extended to various boards, including Safe Harbor (Domestic Violence Shelter), the Rape Task Force, and the Kids Connection Child Abuse Programs, where he served two 4-year terms. He also coached for 9 years with the Warner Little League, including T-Ball, Boys Baseball, and Girls Softball. In addition, Jerry contributed to many research projects, publications, and presentations throughout his career, continuing his passion for education and community impact.

Jerry’s life was marked by a deep commitment to education, service, and community. His legacy of mentorship, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered for the positive impact he had on so many lives.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Malee; children: LaCinda (Howard) Tilton, Dr. Brad Rosonke Kimberly (Alan) Rausch; one sister, Mildred Brus; son-in-law, Brent Olson; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Clara; one daughter, Lisa Olson; two sisters; and three brothers.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Malee Kathern Rosonke on April 29, 2025, at the age of 83. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, cherished by all who knew her.

Malee Kathern Shaw was born on December 27, 1941, to Jack and Bernice (Kennedy) Shaw in New Hampton, Iowa. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from high school, then went on to nursing school. She married Jerome Rosonke on August 10, 1963, and they shared 61 years of marriage. Their four children are LaCinda (Howard) Tilton of Casper, WY, the late Lisa (Brent) Olson of Aberdeen, SD, Dr. Brad Rosonke of Scottsdale, AZ, and Kimberly (Alan) Rausch of Humboldt, SD. She had five grandchildren: Shae (Colby) Lynch, Parker Rausch, Blake Olson, Tiffany (Taten) Thomassan, and Malee Olson. Also, three great-grandchildren: Tate Lynch, Nolan Rausch, and soon-to-be Oliver Rausch.

Malee spent many years in the nursing profession. She started as an OB nurse and ended her 46-year nursing career at an Assisted Living center. She loved her elderly patients. She was always willing to help out where needed, she would bring baby chicks or baby lambs for the residents to “remember the good ole days.”

She also had a great love for sheep. She kept her sheep until the age of 83 before she decided she did not want to feed them through another winter.  She still insisted she wanted bottle lambs through in the spring and not just one or two, she was talking 10! She was known to “hide animals” from Jerome in order to help an animal who needed an extra boost of tender loving care.

She was a master gardener, gave many talks on starting seeds, and helped with the Brown County Fair. Malee was very active in AARP and gave many talks on Fraud and helped at events for AARP.

She will be deeply missed by all, but never forgotten. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerome Rosonke; her daughter Lisa Olson; her brother Maurice Shaw; and her parents.