Darleen R. Rose (née Koller) passed away peacefully after 86 wonderful years on Monday, June 22, 2026. She was born on October 15, 1939, to Ludwig and Aleda (née Bauer) Koller, the youngest of three siblings and the only girl. Her brothers, Richard and Wilbur Koller, preceded her in death.

Darleen spent 68 remarkable years building a life full of joy, laughter, and treasured memories alongside her loving husband, Ronald R. Rose. Together they shared countless canoe trips, peaceful days out on their land, lively games of cards, and, most of all, time with their children and grandchildren. She also loved playing softball and bowling, and she gave generously of her time with the Girl Scouts. Her love for numbers found its purpose in her career as a paralegal and manager of the tax department at a local law firm in West Bend. But it was her belief that everyone deserves to feel valued and seen that defined her most. For years, she was a tireless advocate for her son Jeffrey, making sure he had access to a good education, the chance to compete in Special Olympics, and the opportunity to build a life and career of his own.

Darleen will be remembered for her quick wit and infectious sense of humor, her sharp head for numbers, her uncanny ability to sniff out a good deal, and would never pass up a chance to put a "few" coins in a slot machine. She never turned down a sweet treat, and anyone who knew her knew that no beater left her kitchen without being thoroughly licked clean, and no crumbs were ever left behind. She believed good food was meant to be savored to the very last bite, and that family gathered around a table was one of life's greatest blessings.

Darleen's legacy is not only found in the life she lived, but in the family she nurtured, the traditions she preserved, and the unwavering love that will continue to bind her family together for years to come.

Darleen will be deeply missed by her husband, Ronald; her son, Jeffrey; her daughter Cindy and her husband, Richard Schneider; her daughter Tammy and her husband, Jeffrey Ciriacks; her granddaughters Miranda (Taylor) and Samantha (Kaufman); and her great-granddaughter, Aspen (Taylor).

The family will greet guests on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) with a Memorial Service at 5:15 pm.


In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Special Olympics. Her son Jeff participated for many years and this organization held a special place in Darleen’s heart.