Hans Dieter Rose, age 71, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (October 17, 2018) at
home after battling health issues for several years, with his wife of 50 years, Jo Ann, by his side.
He was born in Varel, Germany on February 8, 1947, son of German farmers Willy Rose and his wife
Liese-Lotte Pein from Berlitt.
Hans had a rough start in life as his family struggled with the aftermath of World War II. He almost
starved to death while living in Traunstein as a German refugee for two years, before immigrating to
America in 1957 with his grandparents: Herman and Minna Rose, parents, and siblings. The Rose family
were some of the last immigrants documented to come through Ellis Island.
After spending two years in Kentucky, Rose’s family settled in Plymouth, WI, where they purchased a
home and started farming. Hans graduated from Plymouth High School in 1966. He attended the
University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture, Short Course Program, and received a Two Year
Certificate in 1967.
On June 22, 1968, Hans married the love of his life, Jo Ann Marie Thompson of Milton, WI. He built a
travel and wholesale business with his wife. They traveled the world and dabbled in real estate, retiring
in 2013.
One of Hans’ proudest accomplishments was selling 90 acres of farmland to Walmart in 2001 that
brought a huge economic boost to Plymouth.
Their love produced two children; Michele, a daycare teacher in Evanston, IL, and Tammy, a helicopter
reporter in Houston, TX. Tammy documented Hans’ life as a German refugee and wrote two books
based on his life in Germany; “Lost Dreams” and “Lost Treasures.”
Hans is also survived by: Granddaughter: Tesla Abrego of Boston, MA; Brother: Reinhard Rose of Fort
Myers, FL; Nephew: Nicholas (Peteria) Rose of Boston, MA; Sister: Helga Rose of Michigan; and Brother-
in-law: James Thompson of Plymouth, WI.
Hans kept in close contact with his relatives in Germany. Those who survive him are: Ursula Pein,
Helmut and Sieglinde Pein, Andre and Karen Pein, Michael and Johanna Pein all of Granzow; Waltraud
and Klaus Ludwig, Susan and Steffen Jennerjahn, Julius and Jonas Jennerjahn all of Netzow; Dorothea
Pein Wibschek of Berlin, Wolfgang and Sabiene Pein of Augustin, Hannelore and Oliver Pein of Berlin.
Following Hans’ wishes, cremation has taken place.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (October 21, 2018) from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Suchon Funeral Home
in Plymouth.
A graveside service will take place on Monday (October 22) at 11:00 A.M. at the Plymouth Woodlawn
Cemetery. Rev. Casey Sugden, Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Plymouth will officiate.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online
condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com
The family would like to thank: Dr. Mark Sharon, Dr. John Hancock, and the entire Aurora at Home
Hospice & Palliative team for their exceptional care given to Hans. A special heartfelt thanks to Jenna A.,
Jessica B., Shelly S., Heidi H., Christine H., Ashley B., and Judy T. who all gave so much joy and comfort
with their compassionate care. The family is also grateful to their dear friend, Betty Esplund, for her
help and support that made it possible for Hans to stay at home. Finally they would like to thank Rev.
Casey Sugden for all of his prayer and support for the family.
