Albert Rouse

Albert Joseph Rouse

 March 20, 1938 – September 30, 2025

Albert Joseph Rouse, 87, of DeForest, Wisconsin, passed away at home with his family at his side on September 30, 2025, less than two weeks after celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary. He faced an 18-year journey with Parkinson’s disease with courage and grace.

Born on March 20, 1938, in Niagara, Wisconsin, to Frederick and Margaret (Frisque) Rouse, Albert was the eldest of five children. He graduated from Niagara High School in 1956 before moving to Madison, where, one by one, his siblings soon joined him.

Albert proudly served six years in the Army National Guard, receiving his honorable discharge in 1966. He went on to earn his degree from Madison Business College in 1960 and began his career at Gisholt Machine Company, where he worked until 1971. That same year, he found his true professional home at Edgewood College, where he would dedicate nearly four decades of service.

At Edgewood, Albert held roles as Business Officer, Director of Facilities and Operations, and Special Projects Coordinator. He guided the college through difficult financial times with steady leadership and deep commitment. His pride in Edgewood extended beyond his career—each of his four children attended the college, and all met their spouses there, weaving his family’s story permanently into the fabric of the institution he loved.

In 1965, Albert married Bernice DeBoer, and together they raised four children—two sons and two daughters—building a life rich with love, faith, and family.

Albert found joy in simple pleasures: summers at his cottage in northern Wisconsin, weekends behind the wheel of one of his many cars (25 in total throughout his life, with a special fondness for his 1959 Chevy and 1969 Buick Skylark convertible), and time spent with his family, who were always at the heart of his world.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Bernie; sons James (Karen) and Jonathan (Adrienne); daughters Cindy (Todd) May and Gina (Rob) Swenson; and his cherished grandchildren Alex, Owen, Briana, Emily, Jake, Tommy, Olivia, Joey, Aaron, Jonah, Eli, and great-grandchildren Kinleigh and Beckett. He is also survived by his sister Joyce (Marty) and his brothers David (Marie), Fred (Ann), and Floyd (Sue).

The family would like to thank the SSM Hospice team, the Right At Home caregivers, as well as caregivers Jordan, Skyler, Jen, and Sarah for their wonderful care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Albert’s name to a charity of your choice or to Edgewood College, in honor of his lifelong commitment to education and community.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00PM NOON on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest. Burial will follow at St. Olaf Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-12:00PM until the time of the Mass.

Albert will be remembered for his integrity, perseverance, quiet strength, and devotion to both his family and his work. His legacy lives on in the community he helped shape, and most of all, in the family who loved him dearly.

To view his obituary or leave a memory, Please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250