Rosalie A. Bluekamp

Rosalie was born Aug. 27, 1960, in Iron River, the daughter of Donald and Rose Marie (Priante) Pedo. She was a 1978 graduate of Waukesha North High School in Waukesha, Wis.

While in high school, Rosalie worked for the Waukesha County Court System. With hard work and dedication she became the youngest clerk of courts in the system. Rosalie worked in this position until 1985 when she moved to Iron Mountain to be closer to her family.

Rosalie had a deep desire to help people and in 1987, took a position with the Women, Infants and Children Program (W.I.C.). Because of her compassion for her clients, she built a large case load and was able to help hundreds of families there.

She married Douglas Bluekamp on June 10, 1995, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.

Rosalie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.

She was a strong person. She endured a series of difficult procedures in an effort to have a child, and in November 1999 her prayers and efforts were rewarded with the birth of her son, whom she adored.

She loved to cook and was very good at it. She often would invite young teachers over for a real Italian home-cooked meal.

Rosalie had a special love for her dogs, but her real love was taking care of and spending time with her family.

Rosalie is survived by her husband, Doug; a son, Nate Bluekamp of Iron Mountain; her parents, Don and Rose Pedo of Iron Mountain; a sister, Teresa (John) Fortier of Iron Mountain; a brother, Louis Pedo of Big Bend, Wis.; her father and mother-in-law, Paul and Carol Bluekamp of Ishpeming; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Paula (Bill) Hemmila of Negaunee, Sheila Smith of Hartland, Mich., Rhonda (Mike) Bertucci of Ishpeming and Donald (Denise) Bluekamp of Negaunee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She will be terribly missed by her family and friends and we look forward to the time when we will all be together again.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Fr. Raymond Valerio will officiate.

Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rosalie Bluekamp online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.