Rosanne Marie Phillips, a devoted servant, beloved educator, and cherished sister, passed peacefully from her earthly life on May 12, 2026. She has entered into her new eternal home, welcomed into the joyful arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rosanne’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith in action, defined by a profound transformation in the spring of 1982, when she was born again into Christ’s Kingdom. From that moment on, her faith was her compass. For twenty years, she was a proud and active participant in the Emmaus Worldwide Ministry, where she reviewed courses and faithfully prayed for the students while also actively serving in the local Jail Ministry in Dubuque.

Her true love was studying God’s Word at Emmaus and alongside her church family at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel. These quiet hours of reflection built a firm, unshakeable foundation in her faith. Rosanne was known by all as a woman of deep, faithful prayer possessed of a quick wit, a ready smile, and a unique gift for encouraging others. This encouragement was uniquely expressed through her extraordinary, handcrafted card-making ministry. For Rosanne, painting and card-making were not just quiet hobbies; they were tangible, bright expressions of her thoughtful spirit and a vital way she shared Christ’s love. As a woman defined by her deep love for the Lord, Rosanne spent countless hours meticulously crafting personalized cards for hundreds of people, leaving a lasting impact on all who received them.

She lived her life anchored by the promise of Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Born on January 18, 1948, to Eugene and Clorene Irick, Rosanne grew up with a passion for knowledge. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, she moved to Dubuque in 1970 to begin what would become a beautiful, 35-year teaching career at Hoover Elementary School, shaping the minds and hearts of generations of children.

Rosanne was the proud eldest sister of Paula Leopold (Highlands Ranch, CO), Bonnie Hoegemeyer (Lincoln, NE), Cindy Hine (Dubuque, IA), and Rebecca Rothe (Arvada, CO). Her love radiates down through the generations, and she leaves behind a rich legacy of 11 nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and nephews, and 14 great-great-nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Rosanne’s life and faith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel, 2843 JFK Road.

The family is being assisted by Behr Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel Mission Fund, a cause incredibly near and dear to Rosanne’s heart, continuing her legacy of sharing Christ’s love with the world.

Online condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com.