Bernadette Ruth Rosenbaum
Our beautiful and courageous Bernadette Ruth Rosenbaum passed on to her next heavenly life on July 9, 2026. She was 92 years old.
Bernadette was a lover of the water, trees, tennis, a good book, traveling, and a challenging game of Scrabble, cards, or marbles with her friends and family. Bernadette embraced life with enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit, and lived with vitality, curiosity, and joy.
Known to all as “Bernie,” Bernadette was born in West Allis, Wisconsin, on December 7, 1933. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul E. Rosenbaum; her parents, Leo and Theresa Patin (Griesemer); her brothers, Leo, Richard, Donald; and her sister-in-law Andrea Patin. Survived by her soul sisters-in-laws Marlene Patin and Shirley Patin.
Bernadette later moved to Campbellsport, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Campbellsport High School. At the age of 17, she met the love of her life, Paul. Together they raised five children: David Rosenbaum (Teresa) of Oshkosh, Mary Rosenbaum of Fond du Lac, Julie Rosenbaum of Minneapolis, Kathy Hahn (Bruce) of Fond du Lac, and Susan Rosenbaum Hoffman (Dean) of Oshkosh. They also opened their home and extended their love by welcoming Jeanne Jahns and Mary Sue Lopno into their family. Their children were blessed with a secure and loving upbringing for which they will always be grateful. Bernadette was also dearly loved by nieces and nephews who live across the country.
Jim Miller, her devoted and loving partner for the past 24 years, was Bernadette’s knight in shining armor. Together they built a beautiful life, spending winters in Arizona at Valley Del Oro, traveling, playing tennis, and soaking up the sun at Mauthe Lake. Bernadette and Jim shared an amazing community of friends at Valley Del Oro, where a plaque honors them both for their devotion to the tennis community. Jim was her protector and faithfully stood by her through the physical challenges she faced. He never gave up on helping her get better.
Bernadette was a loving and devoted grandmother to six grandchildren, their partners, and one great-grandson: Tessa Hahn (Brendan) and their son, Alvar; Kate Rosenbaum (Max); Elizabeth Waters (Olivia); Paul Rosenbaum (Ashley); Elijah Waters; and Henry Hoffman.
Bernadette left an imprint on many lives. She was many people’s cheerleader in life and on the tennis court. She worked at the YMCA in Fond du Lac for many years and was an avid tennis player, coach, and teacher to countless people. During her time in Arizona, she took up hiking, writing, jewelry making, stained glass, and dancing. One cherished memory is of her happily floating in the pool in Arizona at the age of 91. Jim lovingly brought her to Mauthe Lake through the age of 91 so she could continue enjoying the beach. As mentioned earlier, she truly loved the water. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and also adventured to Asia and Europe over the years. As a mother and grandmother, she shared her love of camping, the lake, and summertime with her family. She was a devout Catholic who generously shared her faith with many.
The family of Bernadette is eternally grateful for the love and compassion shown by the nursing staff and caregivers at LakeHouse, Edenbrook, SSM St. Agnes Hospital and Hospice, who helped her transition into eternal life with dignity.
Arrangements: Visitation be from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 S. Peters Ave in Fond du Lac. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:30 AM.
To honor Bernadette’s involvement in the YMCA community and love for spending time at Mauthe Lake, donations will be directed to the Fond du Lac YMCA and a tree will be planted at Mauthe Lake.
Online condolences may be offered at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.