Rosalia Richter

Rosalia Richter, 91, of Twin Lakes, WI, and formerly of Chicago, IL, entered God’s Kingdom on Monday, March 2, 2026. Rosalia was the youngest of four children, born on September 26, 1934, in the small village of Krndja, Yugoslavia to Franz Rottenbuecher and Anna Held. She grew up on her family’s farm where she helped care for their animals and crops, while learning practical skills like cooking and sewing. She attended a one-room school in the village and worshipped at the local Catholic church with her family. In 1943, as political tensions reached new heights, Rosalia and her family were forced to flee their home on foot, taking refuge in Austria. Her family endured unimaginable hardships and lost loved ones as a result of attacks in her village. Once settled in Ligist, Austria, Rosalia and her sisters worked different domestic jobs, aiding in supporting the family. In the mid 1950’s, a social event brought survivors from Krndja together, and Rosalia was reacquainted with Rudolf Richter, whom she had known as a little boy. Following this evening of dancing and socializing, Rosi and Rudy began their courtship, soon marrying on February 11, 1956, in a wedding dress she had sewn with help from her mother.

In the 1950’s, members of Rudy’s family began to immigrate to the United States, and he and Rosi would join them in 1956. Pregnant with their first child, they embarked on a 9 day journey across the Atlantic Ocean to America. After arriving at Ellis Island, the couple made their way to the place they’d call home for the next 50 years, Chicago. Rose worked second shift at different factories over the years while caring for her family and her home by day. She and Rudy worked hard, sacrificed, and saved to provide the American Dream to their family. They took regular family trips to Foster Beach on Lake Michigan, to Lake Zurich, and to their summer property in Necedah, WI. As a mom, she could be strict, and Rose’s children sometimes faced challenges as first generation Americans of immigrant parents. Rosi was very frugal, resourceful, and practical, possibly coining the phrase, “we have food at home!” She did, indeed, have food at home. Rose’s cooking and baking skills are legendary in the family, and they will forever miss her schnitzels, goulash, (big and little) dumpling soup, and all of the cookies she made year after year.

When grandchildren began to arrive in the 1980’s, Rose flourished in her new role. She softened a bit, as is typical, and worried less about a clean home and more about making it a joyful place for love to abound and family to gather. Rosalia was widowed in 1997, and she retired shortly thereafter. Independent and strong-willed, Rose managed all aspects of her life on her own up until her passing at 91. She lived her life with prudence, care, and faith. She imparted values through simple ways of living and exuded warmth and love. The loss of this incredible matriarch will ache in the hearts of her adoring family until they meet again.

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little;

I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

–Matthew 25:21

Rosalia is survived by her children, Carl Richter, John (Sherrie) Richter, and Heidi Curtis; grandchildren, Lisa (David) Finke, William (Valerie S.) Richter, Robert (Shelley F.) Curtis, Melanie (Bob H.) Curtis, Robin (Andy) Zimmermann, Alan Richter, Eric Richter, and Shannon (Brian) Rapier, and Michael (Becky) Curtis Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ella, Skylar, Elyssa, Jacob, Austin, Kaitlyn, Aiden, and Riley; as well as extended family in Austria and Canada.

In death, she is reunited with her parents, Franz and Anna Rottenbuecher; husband, Rudy Richter; sisters, Anna (Walter) Hoffman and Elisabeth (Siegfried) Hoesele; brother, Mathias Rottenbuecher; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:00PM until 4:00PM at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home, 620 Legion Dr., Twin Lakes, WI 53181. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00AM at St. Constance Catholic Church, 5843 W. Strong St., Chicago, IL 60630. Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at Belmont and N. Cumberland in Chicago. If desired, memorial donations can be made in honor of Rose to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes is honored to serve the Richter family.