Rosalie Gellman

Please scroll down for Funeral Service information and link to online directions to the Service.

Rosalie Gellman – Raisa Leah (Israel Nachman)

Honoring the life and passing of Rosalie Gellman. Rosalie passed peacefully on December 14th 2018 at 7:22 AM at the Milwaukee Jewish Home with the loving support of her daughter Joanne. She was born February 6th 1921 in Wichita, Kansas 28th of Shevat 5681). She was the oldest child of Max (Hebrew name Mordechai)and Dora Greenberg. (Hebrew name Dvorah) She was a resident of the Jewish Home in Milwaukee before her passing and was predeceased by her husband Sol Norman Gellman (born on July 6 1917 [16th of Tamuz 5677] who passed away July 24th 2007 [9th of Av 5767]). She is survived by her four children: Rabbi Marc (Betty) Gellman, Judy Gellman-Friedman, Joanne (Daniel) Woodard, and Dr. Larry (Beth) Gellman; her grandchildren: Mara (Sy), Max, Josh (Ariel), Ashley, Hannah, Jessica, Matti, and Ali and her great-grandchildren, Zeke, Daisy, Olive and Miel. Rosalie is further survived by her brother Daniel (Faith) Greenberg, sister Betty (Bob) Oppenheimer, many loving nieces & nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Rosalie grew up in Wichita, Kansas. She went to Wichita University where she got her degree in Political Science. She was very active in Politics – both on campus and off. At the age of 21 and having just graduated from College, Rosalie attended a USO function for young men doing basic training at Fort Crowder in Salina, Kansas and met her soon to be husband Sol Gellman. He was smitten right away with this beautiful woman and wouldn’t take no for an answer and pursued her until she said yes! After their marriage on October 24th 1943 (28th of Tishrei 5704) (performed by a Rabbi Manello), and his basic training they went to Oklahoma with the service. Shortly after, Sol went overseas as a Combat Engineer. After the War the couple came back to Milwaukee where Sol was from and they moved in with his parents, Sarah Hauptman Gellman (who was from Podolia Gebernia, Russia) and Leo Gellman. Eventually, and with the help of a GI Loan they built a home Sol designed on Olsen Ave. in Shorewood which is still standing now and raised their family of 4 children. The marriage lasted until Sol died, over 63 years.

The impact Rosalie had on the family cannot be understated. She was fierce when anyone needed support or defending. She was tireless in seeing to it that everyone was taken care of. She had many friends. She was loyal and trustworthy but ready to fight against injustice whether it be on the playground or in the community. She always tried to defend the rights of the people she loved and encouraged her kids to develop their own paths and identities. She was so proud of her children and all her family. She knew all the grandchildren, the nieces and nephews and kept in touch with as many as she could, as often as she could. Her address book is legendary and she was the glue that kept her family connected never forgetting Birthdays, Holidays and important celebrations. She was an avid reader and was always up to date on the news and current events.

She relished the opportunity to make her guests feel welcomed and entertained often. Her cooking was legendary and brightened the lives of everyone who was quick enough to enjoy it. Her husband Sol used to say why should we go out…the food here is better than you will ever get out there!

She will be sorely missed by her family who loved her so much and the people who had the opportunity to meet and know her. Special thanks to all the staff at the Jewish Home, who so lovingly took care of her near the end of her life.

Her funeral will be held Graveside at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Ave. in Brookfield, WI at 11:00 AM on Sunday, December 16, 2018. She was a blessing to her family and will be sorely and deeply missed.