GETTYSBURG, SD – Rose M. Ganje, 85, of Gettysburg, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg, SD.
A celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m. CST, Friday, March 21, 2025, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MST, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte, with Fr. John Paul Trask presiding. Burial will follow in the Eagle Butte Cemetery.
Rose was born on July 9, 1939, in Deadwood, SD, to Lawrence and Hilda Fish. She grew up in the Black Hills and carried with her a love for family, community, and hard work throughout her life.
On October 31, 1955, she married Albert Ganje, and together they made their home in Eagle Butte, SD, where they raised their five children. Rose was a devoted mother and grandmother who balanced family life with a deep commitment to her community.
Once her children were in school, Rose began working for the Extension Office, where she dedicated many years to supporting local families and youth programs. She was also a proud and passionate 4-H leader, helping guide and inspire countless young people.
In early 1983, Rose started as a substitute teacher at Cheyenne Eagle Butte School, where she found great joy in working with students. In 1992, she transitioned into a role with the Title I program, continuing to make a lasting impact on the lives of children through education and support.
Beyond her work and family, Rose had a love for bowling and was an avid bowler until the local alley closed. In 1994, she took up playing darts and enjoyed competing in a weekly dart league, proving her competitive spirit never faded. She was also a dedicated member of the All Saints Catholic Altar Society, where she found fellowship and a deep sense of faith.
In 2001, Rose suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, which left her paralyzed on the right side of her body and unable to speak many words. Through the unwavering love and care of her children and in-home nurses, she was able to remain in her home in Eagle Butte for the next seven years. In 2008, she moved to the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, where she lived for 18 years. Despite her physical challenges, Rose’s spirit remained strong. She found joy in playing cards and treasured the friendships she built with the staff and residents at the manor, who became like extended family.
Rose will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the countless ways she uplifted those around her. Whether through her work, her volunteerism, or simply the love she poured into her family, she left an imprint on many hearts.
She is survived by her children: Deb (Kenny) Joens, Barb (Craig) Worth, Laurie (Ted) Berndt, Cathy (Mark) Bradley, and Alan Ganje. She was a cherished grandmother to Cassy (Mike) Hunter, Kent (Germaine) Joens, Ashley Worth, Matt (Jaycee May) Berndt, Calley (Sid) Geigle, Tyler (Christina) Bradley, Eric (Kathryn) Worth, Nicholas (Brittany) Berndt, and Trey Bradley. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Devin and Mason Hunter, Kaden Joens, Westyn Geigle, and Carter Bradley. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Hilda; sister, Cora Mae Haskell; and brother, Ralph Fish.
Rose’s dedication to her family, her students, and her community will be cherished and remembered always.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Rose’s arrangements.

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