CROSS PLAINS, Wis. — A pair of Middleton High School alumnus are making sure an old friend’s memory stays alive and that his family is supported months after his death.
Pete Rosengren, a father of three boys, tragically lost his life in March when he stepped in to save a child who was caught by a riptide.
Rosengren was able to successfully get the boy, the son of a family friend, to safety but the hero himself didn’t make it.
“I got a call from Pete’s wife,” said Rosengren’s friend, Krista Hanson. “It was obviously really shocking and devastating. I just felt so horrible for her loss and for her boys.”
Hanson knew she wanted to do anything she could to help so she, along with Rosengren’s mutual friend Katy Ripp, decided to host a memorial fundraiser in his honor.
The event will take place on Saturday at the wine bar Nineteen09 in Cross Plains at 4 p.m. to give people the opportunity to celebrate his life and support his wife Maura and their children.
“They really built a beautiful life,” said Ripp. “I think that’s what I’m sad about, to not see that come all the way to fruition.”
Friends of Rosengren said he had a big heart and they’re not surprised he didn’t hesitate to help someone in trouble.
“I think he would be happy that we’re getting together and making this as much of a celebration as possible,’ said Hanson.
Those looking to support the family can also make a donation online.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
