Herman, affectionately known as Herm, was born, quite literally, into the phone company on April 9, 1938, to Jack and Christine Rose in Freeport, Minnesota. His family owned the local telephone company and as his mother worked the switchboard, Herm would sleep in his crib next to her.

Telecommunications and serving the public were major themes throughout his life. At eight years old his father drafted him to service in the business by having young Herm drive the truck while Jack walked and checked the phone lines.

Growing up, Herm had a passion for fixing things. Throughout his life, there was very little he could not tinker with and repair. He loved working on old cars and electronic devices. After graduating from Melrose High School Herm spent two years in the Army repairing missiles. His Army career took him to Michigan and Texas. He loved telling stories of his time in those various places. After leaving the military, he married Therese Koshenina, TC to family and close friends, in 1962. Herm's phone career led him to Watertown Minnesota where three of his four children were born. Although he loved the area and the people, in 1967 an opportunity came up that brought him to Osceola Wisconsin. Herm and TC added a fourth child to the family after the move.

Herm and TC fell in love with the area and became active members of the community. He became involved with the Knights of Columbus, served a term on the Village Board, was a longtime member of the Osceola Fire Department and was one of the first members of the Osceola Area Ambulance.

Most important to Herm was his family. He spent countless hours supporting his kids as a Boy Scout leader and cheerleader for anything they did from sports to music to drama. As a family they loved camping and spent time in northern Wisconsin and South Dakota. Herm’s love for family grew when he welcomed 7 grandkids. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time telling stories, fixing toys or making his grandchildren smile.

His favorite place to spend his free time was at Big Birch Lake in central Minnesota, fishing or teaching the kids to waterski and ride horses. In his spare time he loved to watch the Minnesota Twins, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years Therese. Children Mike (Rika), Jan Haley (Jeff), Deb Rose and Stefanie (Jason Braaten). Grandchildren Jaime Jacoben (Seth), Jordyn Olson (Kevin), Kaija Rose (Cal Knickerbocker), Emily Raffesberger (Bailey Wendorf), Evan Rose and Mei Rose. Great grandchildren Gavin and Bennett Jacobsen Sisters Carol Loxtercamp and Judy (Marv) Thielen and brother and sister in laws Ellen Koshenina, Gene (Chu) Koshenina, Kathy (Chuck) Nelson, Joel Koshenina, and Fran (Karen) Koshenina.

Herm is preceded in death by parents John (Jack) and Christine Rose, in-laws Joseph and Rose Koshenina, brother John Rose, brothers-in-law Dave Loxtercamp, Charles Koshenina, Leon Koshenina, and Greg Koshenina and son-in-law Rick Raffesberger.

Mass of Christian Burial for Herman will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 14, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Osceola, WI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola, WI and will continue Monday one hour prior to the church service. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in East Farmington, WI.

Last Update: Jul 11, 2025 7:21 am CDT