Rose Constance Breese

Feb 18, 1938 -

Apr 11, 2020

Rose Constance Kerkman was born on Feb. 18, 1938, along with her identical twin sister Neva Roselle "Kerkman" Clark, in Burlington, Wis. They were brought into this world by their parents, Norbert and Hazel "McQueen" Kerkman. They were baptized at Saint Charles Congregation Catholic Church and brought into the house of our Lord on March 20, 1938. Their family eventually moved to Denver, Colo., where she met the love of her life, her husband of 66 years, Donald Alan Breese Jr. They were married on Dec. 23, 1953, in Denver.

Rose and Don's life together saw many roads traveled, and many friends made along the way. They were graced with four children: Donald Norbert "Buster," Anna Marie Dressen, Hazel Caroline Bennett and Bernard William "Benny."

After Don's discharge from the U.S. Army following the Vietnam War, they purchased 30 acres of land in Southeast Oklahoma and move the family to become "ranchers." It was there Rose made the decision to attend nursing school and became a registered nurse. It was there where they met a neighboring family who took them under their wing and became lifelong friends: D. L. and Nellie "Shortie" Nugent, and their son John. After their children were grown and off their own adventures, Rose took a job with the Native Hospital in Dillingham, Alaska. They were there for 2 years and returned to the Indian Hospital in Ada, Okla. Finding the heat back in Oklahoma to be a bit too much, she applied for a position with the old Native Hospital in Anchorage. She remained there until 1998. Mom found joy in caring for her animals and watching the wildlife around their property. After their return to Alaska she took up dog mushing and dreamed of running in the Iditarod. All of her dogs actually ran in the Iditarod. One of her prized possessions was a mushing hat from famed Iditarod musher Libby Riddels. Mom loved her family, she loved to draw, do bead work and make earrings. She loved the outdoors and being one with nature.

After a long battle with reoccurring health issues her life on this Earth ended on April 11, 2020, at Mat-Su Regional Hospital. Although her passing is a great burden on the hearts of her family and loved ones, there is solace in knowing her pain is over and our healing can begin.

Rose Constance Breese is survived by her husband, Donald Alan Breese Jr.; their children, Donald Norbert Breese, Anna Marie Dressen, Hazel Caroline Bennett and Bernard William Breese; as well as grandchildren, Donald Michael Dressen, Eric Breese, Tonette "Toni" Breese and Renee Christine Rangel; and great-grandchildren, Lonny Shane Deheer and Aaron Rangel Jr.

She is also survived by her identical twin sister, Neva Clark of Denver; son-in-law, Michael Gene Dressen; daughter-in-law, Mary Breese, (Ben's wife); and three stepgrandchildren, Adam, Marty and Lee Andrea.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the paramedics and staff at Mat -Su Regional Hospital ER and ICU, whom cared for our mother in her time of need and giving us an opportunity to say goodbye. Of the things I will miss the most is how I used to I used to tell her "Mom, you are my sunshine," and she would reply "You're mine!" We love you and miss you!

"Rose, You are my everything, I will always carry you in my heart." - Your loving husband, Don