Geraldine J. O'Rourke (Rolstad)

Geraldine June O’Rourke, age 91, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016 at her residence Cottagewood Senior Community in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born June 23, 1924 in the township of Sheridan (Dunn County), near Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, to Thorvald and Elsie (Wiseman) Rolstad. Geraldine married William O’Rourke of New Auburn in 1947, and they lived on the family farm outside of New Auburn for most of her adult life. Geraldine postponed her schooling after the eighth grade to help care for her ailing mother and siblings. After she was married, she completed her GED and went to Cosmetology School in Eau Claire. During the war, she worked at a munitions plant in Eau Claire, WI and a brewery in Bloomer, WI. Most of her life she was a homemaker and helped out on the farm in addition to cooking for the hired hands. Geraldine enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, fishing, vegetable and flower (African violets, gladiolas, & grand champion dahlias) gardening, and driving around on her golf cart. She will be remembered for her bright smile, the sparkle in her eyes, her humor, and the many amazing baked goods she frequently made. One of her specialties was apple pie with fresh Haralson apples.

Geraldine is survived by her son: Ret. Colonel Joseph O’Rourke of Sarona, WI; two grandchildren: JoAnna (Andrew) Pruett, and Joshua (Emily) O’Rourke; 3 great grandchildren: Wyatt O’Rourke, Theodore Pruett, and Grady O’Rourke; her sister: Marlene North; and many nieces and nephews.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Virgil (Sonny) Rolstad and Euna Kahl.

A small Memorial Service will be held on, Friday, July 1, 2016, at 9:00 AM at the Bloomer City Cemetery with David W. Olson of Olson Funeral Home officiating. Interment will take place at the Bloomer City Cemetery following the Memorial Service. Memorial gifts in memory of Geraldine O’Rourke can be sent to Olson Funeral Home 1516 Larson St. Bloomer WI 54724.