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FAIRMONT -- With family present, Rose Veronica Bancks departed this earthly life peacefully on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at the age of 107. Rose was born Jan. 8, 1916, in Stangelville, Wis., to John and Anna Hruska. She attended schools in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, and Idaho. After high school, she attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, Wash., graduating in 1937. In 1941, Rose went to Michael Reese Hospital and School of Nursing in Chicago for further work in obstetrics. Sacred Heart Hospital recruited her back to Spokane in 1942. Two years later she enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Birmingham General Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif. There she met Dr. Leo Bancks, a dentist on his way to Okinawa. After being discharged, they were married in 1947 and resided in Marshall, Minn., before moving to Fairmont in 1950.
In her career pursuits, Rose worked as a private nurse and at the first Fairmont Community Hospital. She was the school nurse for the Fairmont district for two years in the mid-60s. When the new hospital opened in 1972, she was hired as the Director of Nursing and served until she retired in 1978. Inspired by her faith, Rose lived the essential commandment, to love one another. All were welcome and respected in her presence. She was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where she served as a member of St. Theresa’s Circle and took Communion to parishioners unable to attend Mass. Rose was an avid bridge player, knitter, reader, and gardener. She enjoyed having her grandchildren visit, and she supported them in their activities. She looked forward to coffee gatherings with the retired nurses, and wings and wine nights with her bridge friends. Rose was Leo's main caregiver until he passed due to MS complications in 1996. She is survived by her children: Theresa Mooney of Maple Lake, Minn. (husband, Phil, sons Aaron and Drew); Doug Bancks of Fairmont, Minn. (wife, Gretchen, children Nick, Kate, and Mike); Dan Bancks of East Moline, Ill. (wife, Becky, children Joe, Jacob, and, Jennifer). She was also blessed with nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Within the immediate family, Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; and her granddaughter; Emily. A funeral Mass will be held June 23, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, followed by a gathering to celebrate Rose's life. Final details will be published closer to the time of the event. Memorials are preferred to Fairmont Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 563, Fairmont, MN 56031, to fund a nursing scholarship in Rose's memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lakeview Funeral Home. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net