Rose Marie Dryden

Rose Marie Dryden, 62, of Rhinelander, passed away on October 2, 2024, surrounded by family. Rose was born November 28, 1961 in Carrol, Iowa, the daughter of Don and Ruby (Brokowski) Eagen. Rose graduated from Harlan Community High School, then went on to college, earning a degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa.

Rose married the love of her life, Gregory Charles Dryden, on December 29, 1984 in Fargo, North Dakota. This year they would have celebrated 40 blissful years together. Rose and Gregory moved to Rhinelander in 1989 where they raised their family and still live. They were married 39 years at the time of her passing. Their lives were filled with many memories of road trips to visit friends and family and music — including singing as a family and running a karaoke business. She was and will always be the life of the party. Rose worked as a social worker supervisor starting at Peterson health care in 1989, and then later moving to Oneida County Courthouse serving her community for 11 years. 

In 2001, Rose had a life-changing illness that resulted in her early retirement. Throughout her health journey, Rose was proud to have taken medical risks over the years that gave her a better quality of life and may benefit others in the future. She surprised many by surviving against incredible odds. Rose was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. She was known for calling her family for long conversations and making sure the dancefloor was never empty. Though she was small she was fierce, she was never intimidated despite being 4 feet 11 and 3/4 inches. She will forever be the mom to many in our hearts, the warrior in our spirits, and the calmness in our souls. 

Remaining to cherish Rose’s memory are Gregory Dryden, Amber (Adam) Briggle; Sean (Brianna) Dryden, Signy Kate (Joseph Turnquist) Dryden and Kelsey (Jacob Cain) Dryden; grandchildren, Max Briggle, Lulu Briggle, Irie Dryden, Everett Dryden, Kaiya Turnquist, Cayden Turnquist, Austin Turnquist, Colin Turnquist; siblings Mary House, Bob (Mary) Eagen, Dick (Lavern) Eagen, Jackie LaWare, Joe (Nancy) Eagen, David (Lynn) Eagen and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Donita Bowen.  

A memorial service for Rose was held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services.  Memorial donations can be made at https://gofund.me/a1899cc1

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com.

Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.