Rose Marie Kisser

Rose Marie Kisser, age 94, passed away at her home in Lupton, MI surrounded by her loving family after a battle with breast cancer on Friday, March 6, 2026. She was born on Tuesday, August 4, 1931, in Saginaw, Michigan to Louis and Elizabeth (Samek) Wilinski. Rose lived a life filled with love, laughter, and community, leaving a profound impact on those fortunate enough to know her.

In 1950, Rose graduated from Saginaw High School, a journey that would eventually lead her to work as a bank teller until she married the love of her life, Jerry V. Kisser, on February 27, 1954. Together, they created a beautiful life, operating J. Kisser and Son Drywall for over 50 years and also owning Shady Shores Restaurant, where they gathered friends and family alike to share in the warmth of their hospitality. Together Rose and Jerry shared 49 wonderful years and many adventures together, including traveling with friends, dune buggy rides, ice racing, snowmobiling, dancing and camping trips to Canada.

Rose was a woman of many talents and passions. She relished making Christmas ornaments for her family and loved ones every year and shared her creative spirit through crafts shows at the Rose City Farmers Markets, where she showcased her cherished handmade items. Memories of Rose are graced with her love for crafting, sewing, and baking, particularly her famous angel food cake which she made for countless Girl Scout trips. She also volunteering her time as a girl scout assistant leader “Grandma Rose”, and Rose City Lions Club helper with her daughter. Rose found joy in bowling, playing horseshoes and being a secretary of the Lupton horseshoe league for over 50 years. She also enjoyed bird watching and especially enjoyed her visits from her great-grandchildren.

Rose enjoyed her Hershey Kisses and her turtle candy that she received from her dear friend, Ms. Cindy every year. Her home was a safe haven, often filled with the cheerful sounds of country music, card games (Hand & Foot, and golf), and the laughter of her loved ones. She treasured her time spent working with beads, creating night lights, and offering her assistance to her daughter, helping with tags for trophies, always eager to lend a hand to those she cared about.

She is survived by her loving son, Daniel V. Kisser (Kathy Raby), and her devoted daughter, Vickie M. Kisser. Rose's legacy lives on in her granddaughters, Amanda L. Kisser (Chris Rose), Rena (Dave) Hufford Boudrie and Krista (Luke) Albright, as well as her great-grandchildren, Jayden Williamson (James), Madisyn "Mady" Rose, Camdyn "Cam" Rose, and Daxtyn "Dax" Rose. Rose is also survived by her sister, Bev Bush of Saginaw; sisters-in-law, Agnes Wilinski of Birch Run and Joyce Kisser of Saginaw; and she held the title of Godmother to Debbie and Dennis Lenhart and Nancy Newton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members and friends, including being a grandma to many Girl Scouts and friends, especially Christopher and Annabelle Leathorn, and her special nephew Butch, and Aaron Kisser, and niece Linda Mossner and Kaleb who was always there for Aunt Rose, and all that help her at the Farmers Market.

Rose's journey was not without its sorrows. She is reunited in spirit with her parents, her beloved husband, Jerry Kisser in 2003; her son, Dale Kisser; her brothers, Marvin and Richard Wilinski; brother-in-law, Howard Kisser Sr.; as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law: Ella and Jack Roesler, Floyd and Donna Kisser, Bill and Joyce Carrigan, and Gladys Lenhart (Meryl). Rose also fondly remembers her four-legged companions, Toby, Nickie, Zeb, and Patches "Fat Butt", who brought her immense joy.

A memorial service to celebrate Rose's remarkable life will be held at 1:30p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Rose Township Hall in Lupton, Michigan. Pastor Melvin Killinger will officiate. A Luncheon will follow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Compassus Hospice of West Branch, Karmanos Cancer Institute of Ann Arbor, McLaren Cancer Center of Bay City, and many friends.

Though Rose Marie Kisser has left this world, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution please consider the Rose City Library or the Rose City Lions Club.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com