Rose M. (Torgerson) Zakem, 92, of Monument, CO, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, after spending her last days surrounded by loved ones.  She was born on Sept. 21, 1933, to parents Richard and Pearl Torgerson.

She recently moved back to Holmen after spending more than forty years in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.  Rose was a strong and independent woman who valued family, friendship, and self-sufficiency.  She loved her five children, whom she raised to be just as strong and independent as her.  She found joy in loving her six grandchildren and great grandchildren and never passed an opportunity to show it.  She was someone who could offer both a firm hand and a generous hug, a woman with the confidence, steadiness, and forgiveness to be a leader and matriarch. She took pride in her work as a product demonstrator, eventually gaining a management position, building a sense of community, and belonging around herself.  Rose loved life and loved laughing.  She was always one to have a sit for some coffee and good bit of gossip. She also loved the mountains and was happy to invite visitors out to enjoy their splendor with her.

Rose is survived by her brothers, David Torgerson and Peter Torgerson; her sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth Zakem, Robin (Julie) Zakem, Robert (Erica) Zakem, and Nancy Zakem; her grandchildren, Anna Zakem, David (Shelby) Zakem, Jennifer (Harrison) Hund, Audra Huber, Daniel (Markie) Zakem, Seth (Lucy) Johnson, and Caleb (Logan) Johnson; her great-grandchildren, Haylee Vejvoda, Jackson Hund, Charles Engfer, Dylan Engfer, Alivia Butterfield, Elizabeth Johnson, Evelina Johnson, Ryker Klapps, Luella Zakem, and Winrey Zakem; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert L. Zakem, her son George Zakem, her daughter Rosie Zakem, and her siblings Robert Torgerson, Richard Torgerson, Rue Gantka, Alan Torgerson, Elsie Novak, Larry Torgerson, Roger Torgerson, and Norma Sokolik.

Rose was a rare person, who will live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew her.  Her candor and sense of humor will be remembered fondly.

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” -John Muir

A celebration of life will be from 1-3:00pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St, Onalaska.

Please visit CouleeCremation for more information.