Rosalie Ann Ruth (Johnson) Houk was called home on November 13th, 2023, after a wonderful 86 years with us on Earth.

Rosalie was born in Sinai, South Dakota on December 9th, 1936, to her parents Norman and Cordelia "Mimi" (Soward) Johnson. She was a member of the Brookings High School class of 1955 and she graduated from South Dakota State University in 1959. Beautiful inside and out, Rosalie was crowned "Queen" at several events both in High School and College. Rosalie followed in her parents' footsteps by becoming a teacher. Better known as the "Cartwheel Lady," Rosalie taught math and physical education at Washington High School where she also directed synchronized swimming, coached gymnastics, and won countless arm-wrestling matches against the football team. She was adored by her students.

Rosie had the most carefree spirit and a fearless attitude. She was incredibly skilled, and her accomplishments are countless, she was frequently featured in local newspapers. Once a pilot, one of Rosalie's favorite stories to tell was when she flew a plane to meet Jim for a date, got lost, and had to follow the section lines of the farmland in South Dakota to find her way back. As a member of the "High-Jumping Educators," Rosalie would travel around the state with fellow teachers performing tumbling skills and stunts on trampolines. She owned her own custom carpet business and was a talented seamstress. When her three daughters and their friends wanted a dress, all they had to do was show a photo and she would sew them without a pattern. Musically talented, Rosalie played the piano and violin with her family and led the folk band in her Lutheran church. Rosalie held a strong faith, giving gratitude to the Lord before every meal. She enjoyed celebrating her Norwegian heritage, supplying every family holiday with Lefse and Krumkake. Feisty, stubborn, and competitive, Rosalie was an all-city division ping pong champion, a gymnastics competitor, and she seldom lost a game of "pitch," even winning her last game with her son-in-law Brett last week. She loved to play golf, hunt, and fish with her husband, three girls, and nine grandkids.

She was a kind and gentle teacher in all areas of life. She taught her daughters and grandchildren how to swim and water ski at a very young age. She spent countless hours patiently teaching her grandchildren "the right way" to solve algebra problems. Her most cherished memories were when all her family gathered at her favorite place, the cabin at Lake Koronis. She was doing 360s in the bay on the jet ski with her grandkids until she was 86. If she wasn't in the boat or on the jet ski herself, she was always sitting at the top of the dock steps, a smoke and can of coke in hand, supporting and waving to her family on the water.

Most importantly, Rosalie taught her family how to live a life full of excitement, joy, and generosity. Rosalie loved her family more than anything and was always celebrating and cheering them on. She grew up with her two, beloved siblings, Camilla (Johnson) Payne and Arnold Johnson. Rosalie married her sweetheart, Jim Houk, on June 14, 1963, and spent a beautiful 60 years married to him. Together, they raised three children, Lynne Riddle, Elizabeth "Beth" Ross, and Lori Junso; their nine grandchildren, Justin, Roxanne, Austin, Jesse, Rachel, Allyson, Kaitlyn, Briana, and Mallory; and four great-grandchildren. Rosalie was loved for her kindness, quick wit, and ability to tease. A hero to many, her memory and spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

A celebration of life will take place next summer at Rosie's favorite spot, Lake Koronis.