Rose C. Kupper, 96, Dickinson, died Friday, February 20, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center, Dickinson. Rose’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Father Jim Braaten as celebrant. Visitation will be Monday from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time at the church.

Rose was born August 27, 1912 at Dickinson to Anton and Elizabeth (Wock) Kupper. Rose was raised on the family ranch north of Killdeer and attended Island Country School. She worked for the Carns family in Dunn Center before her marriage to Johnny Mittlestadt on June 29, 1931. Rose and Johnny farmed north of Dunn Center until 1946 when they sold the farm and moved to Killdeer. In 1948 they bought a farm west of Killdeer and operated it until 1967. In 1967 Rose and Johnny moved to Dickinson, Johnny died in 1969. Rose married Lee Schmalz on November 13, 1970, who passed away in 1987.

Rose continued to live in Dickinson where she worked for St. Joseph’s Hospital. She enjoyed being with people and belonged to Sunset Senior Center and did a lot of volunteer work. Rose really enjoyed square dancing and belonged to the Roughrider Square Dance group which performed at different places. Rose moved to Bismarck in August 1994 and lived at Marillac Manor and Valley View retirement apartments.

Rose is survived by four children, Evelyn Hanson, Bismarck, Ilene (Bob) Kowis, Reeder, Gary (Susan) Mittlestadt, Dickinson, and Dave Mittlestadt, Bismarck; 19 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 14 great great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends in Dickinson and Bismarck .

Rose was preceded in death by both husbands, one brother, Johnny, two sisters, Betty and Ann, one great-grandson and one great great-grandson. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.