Conrad Rose, Jr.

Conrad Rose Jr., 94, grandson of the Wenatchee Pioneer Rose Family, slipped away from us on January 6, 2009, in East Wenatchee. Conrad, also known in our area as "Mr. Musicman", was born to Phillip Milner Rose and Madonna (Richman) Rose on September 10, 1914, in their home on Walla Walla Street in Wenatchee, where the Town Toyota Event Center is now located. He was very proud of his heritage as grandson of Conrad and Elizabeth Rose Sr.; they founded Wenatchee Produce Company and built the original Rose residence, which became the Jones & Jones Funeral Home for many years. His grandfather's business had a special spot in Conrad's heart and from those days grew his affection for Studebaker automobiles; in particular his mother's 1948 Land Cruiser. Conrad was married to Kathryn Jones of Entiat in June of 1938. To this union were born three children, Janet, Richard and Patricia. Their home and his orchard land was located where Walla Walla Point Park is now. In August of 1986, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn. He was later married to Laurene (Willsey) Pitts on July 9, 1988. Together, they spent many happy years traveling, attending Grange Conventions and enjoying each other to the fullest. He showed her true adoration and, with this marriage, they combined their families to six children in all. He was a Maintenance Electrician by trade and retired from Hanna Mining/Keokuk after 30 years of service there. Born a natural musician, Connie took up the saxophone at the age of 14. He played for many dances at the Wenatchee Eagles, Grange Halls, Senior Centers in Ephrata, Wenatchee and Yuma, AZ, as well as Colonial Vista, Respite Care and many other events. He shared his gift of music for the enjoyment of all until the spring of 2008. He said it was his life, second only to his wife, Laurene. He was a life member of the Wenatchee Aerie #204 F.O.E, member of the Elks, a 47 year Mason and a Master Mason with the William H. Jett Masonic Lodge #285 F&AM and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Wenatchee, a 60 year member of the Beacon Hill Grange, a life member, past secretary and treasurer of the Musician's Local Union, American Federation of Musicians, the I.B.E.W. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), a charter member and past Commodore of the Boating Club of Wenatchee, member of the S.D.C. Studebaker Drivers Club, longtime member of both the Wenatchee and Ephrata Senior Centers and a former longtime member of the Eastmont Presbyterian Church in East Wenatchee. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Laurene Rose of East Wenatchee; children, Janet (Stan) VanOrman of Spokane, Richard (Terry) Rose of Vancouver, WA, Patricia (James) Hall of East Wenatchee, Everett Pitts of Wenatchee, Joy Tabor of Spokane and Ruth Faulconer of Goldendale, WA; 14 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren. His family wishes to thank all of the many people who contributed to his care during these last months with his Alzheimer's Disease. Those who wish, may make memorial donations in Conrad's name to Alzheimer's Research, Shriner's Hospital, Masonic Speech Therapy program or a charity of choice. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Wenatchee First Presbyterian Church, with Chaplain Scott Langager offi ciating. Masonic Services will follow in the Hillcrest Mausoleum Chapel at Wenatchee Cemetery. The Entombment will follow the services. Visitation will be at Heritage Memorial Chapel, Sunday, January 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday, January 12, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Arrangements are in care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Conrad Rose, Jr.

September 10, 1914 - January 6, 2009