Rose Signe Bergh

Rose Signe Bergh, age 97 of Buffalo City, WI died on April 29, 2023 at Plum City Care Center Plum City, WI.  She was born on May 7, 1925 to Felix and Signe (Erickson) Lindgren at their home on the south bluff in Stockholm, WI.  She was the youngest addition to a very Swedish family, with two older brothers and two older sisters.  Being raised on a farm, Rose had a love for all animals, and a fondness for her kitty, "Jack". Rose attended Pleasant Corner School for 6 years and the Stockholm public school for 2 years.  She graduated from Pepin High School on May 15, 1942.   Rose began her working career at Lund for Floyd Johnson in May 1942 in the grocery store.  Rose was later employed by the Red Wing Shoe Factory for a time until she met and married Martin Van Swanson, Sr.  They married in December of 1944 and later divorced (1966). To this marriage was born Martin, Jr., Gordon, Faye, Steve, and Bruce.  The first three children were born in the Plum City Hospital while the family resided on the farm on the west hill above Plum City.  They sold the farm in 1951 and moved to Ellsworth.  Rose did catering on the side for weddings and funerals.  She later went to work for the Beldenville Reporter where she was taught the linotype and all that goes with setting up advertisements, etc., for a small weekly newspaper.  This led her to keep in the same line of work at the Durand Courier-Wedge, 

the Rochester Weekly, and on to Fields Printing.  Rose met Ronald Bergh through mutual friends.  She and Ron enjoyed their first date, bowling!  They played a tournament together and came in second place, 5 pins short of first.  On February 22, 1968, Rose married Ron.  They lived in Red Wing.  On a whim, Rose sent a letter to a want ad for a "caretaker couple".  They were hired and began working for Steven Adams (financial entrepreneur) from Wayzata.  Rose's job entailed doing housekeeping while Ron maintained the grounds and vehicles in Wayzata and California. This was quite the experience and a much different lifestyle than they were used to - traveling via private jet, back and forth to Santa Barbara and Montecito, CA.  During this jet setting time of their lives, they met celebrities, Jonathan Winters, Fess Parker (Daniel Boone), and Linda Lavin (Alice from Mel's Diner).    After eight years of hustle and bustle, Ron and Rose decided to quit the travel and moved to Winona, and then on to Schofield, WI.  In 2005, they officially retired to their Buffalo City, WI, but spent winters in Golden Valley, AZ.  While in Schofield, during shoulder surgery, Rose was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica.  During the following years, Rose suffered through a fractured hip, and four back surgeries from 2007- 2010.    Rose joined the Plum City Care Center family in March of 2019.  You would always find her with a smile and positive attitude which has kept her going these many years through losses and physical struggles.  Her love of animals was infectious, and she was especially fond of "Missy" who visited her nearly every day.   Rose is survived by her husband, Ron; Sons, Marty (Luanne) Swanson; Gordon (Diane) Swanson Steven (Jennifer) Swanson; Daughter in Law, Gloria Swanson; Son-in-Law, Jan Anderson, Many Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews. Rose was preceded in death by son Bruce Swanson, daughter, Faye Anderson and Stepdaughter, Cindy Bergh.  No formal services are being held.  Talbot Family Funeral Homes – Scenic Rivers Cremation assisted the family.  www.talbotfuneralhomes.com