Ronald R. “Rosie” Rosenberg, age 88 years, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on July 23, 2026, at Froedtert West Bend Hospital.

Ron was born on July 15, 1938, in Milwaukee to Elmer and Mildred Rosenberg (nee Shanning). He attended Waukesha High School for two years. Ron graduated from Nathan Hale High School (West Allis) in 1956. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Combat Ambulance Company. While on leave from the Army, he met Elaine Lederer.

After serving in Army for three years, Ron decided not to re-enlist. He didn’t want to leave Elaine or the rest of his dear friends and family. March 1964, Ron returned to civilian life, and a few months after a mosquito ridden proposal, He was united in marriage to Elaine Lederer on September 12, 1964, in West Allis.

Ron worked at the West Allis Fire Department for 26 years. He loved driving the trucks, the bigger the better. Ron also served as Fire Department cook. He made pot roast, pork chops, and pretty much anything that was on sale that week to feed the hungry crew.

Ron was a jokester and was always ready to catch someone off-guard with a humorous comment or prank. He also enjoyed “Old Guy Oldies” songs from the 50s and 60s. Ron and Elaine took part in the Traveling Sock Hops hosted Mike Murphy of WISN Radio and West Allis Fire Department, complete with poodle skirts and white sport coats with pink carnations. In their younger years, the couple even bumped into Gene Vincent and Don Rich (of the Buck Owens band).

Having traveled overseas while in the military and an interest in trains and transportation led Ron and Elaine to travel the world. They took at least 22 Cruises (to places like Alaska and Panama Canal), countless RV Trips, and chartered some the first routes from a new passenger train company called Amtrak. While continuing to keep a residence in West Allis, Ron and Elaine spent 19 Winters in New Port Richie (Near Tampa), Florida. Most of the miles driven to Florida were in the trusty 1992 Green GMC Suburban now with over 250K miles. Ron says the Suburban was GM’s retirement present to him since he also retired from the Fire Department ‘92.

Those Ron leaves behind to cherish his memory include wife, Elaine; daughter, Wendy (Randy) Rahlf; son, Mark (Michelle) Rosenberg; grandson, Ryker Rosenberg; and sister, Kristine (Larry) Finstad. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn (Richard) Pulaski.

VISITATION: Ron’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service – 1315 W Washington St. – West Bend, WI 53095.

SERVICE: A Funeral Service in remembrance of Ron will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. A private family graveside service and burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin.

Memorials in Ron’s name can be directed to the West Allis Fire Fighters Charities (WAFFC) 7332 W National Ave. – West Allis, WI 53214, or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Froedtert Hospitals in Southeastern Wisconsin and Horizon Hospice for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ron’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.