Rose Belaen, 67, of Brandt, SD, passed unexpectedly on October 25, 2023 at Sanford Hospital in Clear Lake, SD. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Astoria, SD. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Astoria, SD with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Private family burial will be at Highland Lutheran Cemetery in Brandt, SD at a later date. Houseman Funeral Home of Clear Lake, SD is entrusted with arrangements.
Rose Marie Belaen was born on September 22, 1956, in Marshall, MN to Roger and Rosell (Wambeke) Belaen. Eldest of 7 children, she grew up on a farm north of Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School in 1974. Rose was well-known for her larger-than-life personality, infectious smile, and compassion for others. Rose held multiple job titles through the years including the Schott Corporation for over 20 years in Canby and Minneota, MN. She then joined Strait Insurance in Castlewood, SD, and eventually became the long-term office manager for Fritz Chevrolet in Clear Lake, SD. Upon Rose’s retirement in 2020, she continued to work at Fritz on a part-time basis until her death. One of Rose’s proudest accomplishments was obtaining her Associate of Arts Degree from Mount Marty College after years of working full time and going to school part-time in the evenings. She graduated the same month as her youngest daughter in 2003. She also obtained her motorcycle endorsement at age 50 and became well-known on the streets with her bright yellow Spyder. During her newfound love of motorcycling, she met Rodney Brungardt and they were united in marriage on December 23, 2018 at Highland Lutheran Church in Brandt, SD. Rose was an ever-moving force with a deep passion for the Lord; if you hadn’t met her yet, it was only a matter of time. She also spread her love and faith through dispersing her angel charms any chance she got, such as all the medical staff she encountered throughout the last few years and her ministry in the Christian Motorcycle Association. As Rose persevered through two open-heart surgeries, and a few “graceful” moment injuries, she always kept her Faith and continued to give to those around her. Whether it was the infectious smile or her knack of starting conversations with anyone she came across, Rose would light up the room. Before her decline in health, Rose made some memorable trips including to Belgium with her Dad, whale watching in Mexico and Las Vegas with dear friends, Florida with her oldest daughter, and finally to New York City with her youngest daughter and grandson.
Rose died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 25, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Clear Lake, SD. She is survived by her husband, Rodney Brungardt of Brandt, SD; children: Ben (Kim) Weckert of Ivanhoe, MN; Annette (Easton) Weckert of Camp Verde, AZ; Jessica (Cole) White of Astoria, SD; grandchildren: Micah (Elizabeth) Weckert, Josh Weckert, Lane White and Jaycee Rose White (4th generation Rose); Siblings: Roy (Barb) Belaen, Robert (Peggy) Belaen, Rita (Patrick) Maxwell, David (Paula) Belaen, sister-in-law Deb (Dar) Belaen, and Dennis (Sandy) Belaen; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Roger & Rosell Belaen; and brother Donald Belaen.
