Harriette Elizabeth (Cook) ROSENBAUM

Harriette Rosenbaum, age 100, formerly of Stoughton, WI and Las Cruces, NM, passed away January 29, 2021 at Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation in Oconomowoc.

Harriette was born in Stoughton, WI. She graduated from Stoughton High School and attended UW-Madison. She married her husband, William “Bill” Rosenbaum in 1941 in Illinois where they lived for a brief time. Upon returning to Stoughton, Harriette and Bill opened Wm. Rosenbaum Jewelers on Main Street and owned and operated the store until their retirement in 1986. During that time they employed several Stoughton High School students and provided quality jewelry pieces, watch repair and gifts to the community. Many of the jewelry pieces were created by Bill.

Harriette and Bill were known for their hospitality to students from throughout the world attending UW-Madison, especially students from Mexico. They held many parties at their home in Stoughton where current and former students were always welcome.

Harriette and Bill enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their motor home and retired to Las Cruces, NM. They built their home on the outskirts of town with a view of the Organ Mountains. They made many new friends there, and opened their home to numerous friends from Wisconsin and those they met on their travels throughout the country. Parties for former UW students continued for many years, with some students traveling back from their home countries to attend.

Harriette remained in Las Cruces after Bill’s death in 1992. An avid volunteer, she enjoyed helping students learn to read at various elementary schools and worked tirelessly at the El Caldito Soup Kitchen until into her 90’s. She was active in numerous organizations including the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the PEO Chapter #49, Waukesha, WI. Harriette returned to Wisconsin in 2014 to be closer to her family.

She is survived by her niece Debbie (Ernesto) and nephew Dennis (Ginger); two great nieces, Angela (Keith) and Sydney, two great nephews, Damian (Reba) and Ian; three great-great nieces, Ella, Ainslee and Bria; and three great-great nephews, Silas, Luca and Anders. She is further survived by her cousin Carolyn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Joseph, her husband Bill, brother John, sister-in-law Rosanne, and cousin Karen.

Harriette is also survived by other relatives and a multitude of friends throughout Wisconsin, the country and the world. Special thanks to Jill and Lupe in Las Cruces. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the entire staff at Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation in Oconomowoc and Vitas Hospice. Thanks to Karen, Caroline, Carol, Nicole, Jan and Lourdes. A special thank you to Jewell who was a bright spot in Harriette’s day during the pandemic.

She will be interned next to her husband at Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton, WI. Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. For now, friends may honor Harriette in a way that they celebrated with her in the past. Donations in Harriette’s name can be sent directly to the Stoughton High School Music Department (for scholarships for students pursuing higher education music degrees), c/o Stoughton High School Music Chair, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton, WI 53589 or the El Caldito Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 2833, Las Cruces, NM 88004 or online at www.elcalditolc.org

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Thelen Funeral Services of North Prairie/Genesee is honored to be assisting the family.

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