Rose Dorothy Blickenstaff

Rose Dorothy Blickenstaff, age 93, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at The Brook in West Branch. She was born on August 21, 1925 in Detroit to George and Josephine Burcar. Her father had come from Croatia, Yugoslavia. She was raised in a family of 6 children in which she was the oldest. Rose graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit and then worked at Chryslers for several years in the office. She later worked in retail at JL Hudson Department Store. In 1947, she married William Callaway Blickenstaff. He was a Detroit Police Officer for 25 years. His sister and mother moved to San Diego, CA in the 40’s, but William and his brother John stayed in Detroit. In 1970, Rose and William moved to St. Helen to retire. William passed in 1986 and Rose remained in St. Helen. She was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church and the VFW. She volunteered in the VFW for several years as her husband was in WWII.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Diane Hicks; grandchildren, Sara Hamra and Eric Hamra; great grandchildren, Nathan, Victoria, Jade and Jayla; siblings, Patricia Kumka and George Burcar Jr.; several nieces and nephews; sisters in law, Joan Burcar and JoAnn Burcar; niece Cheryl Calimazzo and Joan & Jon Burcar of the north Detroit area and Judy Burnash of St. Helen were all very close to her in her last year. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, William and James Burcar; and sister, Shirley Cheek.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will be held on Monday, July 29, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Helen. Rev. Rodney Morrison, Pastor will officiate.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home. Online condolences can be shared on www.steuernolmclaren.com