Wallace T. Rouse, 86, of Delavan passed away on Jan. 18, 2014, at home with his wife by his side. He was born on Feb. 13, 1927 in Wichita, Kan., the son of Wallace Thurman and Marian F. Rouse.
Wally graduated from Wichita East High School in 1944 and entered Kansas University as a Summerfield Scholar, ultimately earning a degree in engineering. Wally played varsity basketball and football at KU and was defensive tackle on the Jayhawk’s 1948 Orange Bowl team. He interrupted his education to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps serving active duty for two years before returning to KU.
Following college Wally pursued careers in engineering and continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves retiring after 34 years with the rank of lieutenant colonel. His engineering positions took him to Kansas, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Wally spent many of his years working in Fort Atkinson where he raised five children – Wallace Theodore, Scott Salome, William Christian, Theresa Anne and Thomas Jonathon.
In 1974 he met the love of his life, Rosalie. They married in 1976 and moved to Delavan, where he lovingly helped to raise her three children – Ellen Elizabeth, David Henry and Paul Arnold.
Wally was a long-time member of the Rotary Club and was proud of his nearly 50 years of perfect attendance. Among his many interests was the vegetable garden, which earned him countless ribbons at the Walworth County Fair. Wally was also an avid reader, coin collector and all-around handyman. He was very involved in his community and an active member of Delavan United Church of Christ, Congregational.
Wally is survived by his wife, Rosalie; sister, Mary Jo Jones of Altemonte Springs, Fla.; children Ted (Paula), of Oshkosh, Scott, of Madison, and Jon (Candy), of Baltimore, Md., Anne (Mike) of St Louis, Mo., Ellen George, of Racine, David (Heidi) Schultz, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Paul (Lisa) Schultz, of New Berlin. He is survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless friends.
Wally was predeceased by his parents, infant daughter, Anna Katherine, and his son, William Christian.
A memorial service celebrating Wally’s life will be held at the Delavan United Church of Christ, Congregational on Jan. 25, 2014, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Laura MacLeod officiating.
The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Delavan United Church of Christ or Congdon Gardens. Monroe Funeral Home in Delavan is assisting the family and further details can be found at monroefh.com.
