Neil Joseph Rosenbaum, 77, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, leaving behind family and friends who loved him deeply and countless people who knew Neil was the one to call when they needed help or advice.

Neil was born on November 22, 1948, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Lawrence and Iola Rosenbaum. The youngest of eight children, he grew up on the family farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse until his family moved to Kenosha during his teenage years. He graduated from St. Joseph High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 1985.

Neil spent 30 years working for Case IH, most recently as a Sales Training Instructor, teaching salespeople the ins and outs of Case tractors and equipment. His expertise didn’t end with retirement. He remained active in online communities where Case owners sought his help with everything from routine questions to problems that had everyone else stumped.

Neil and Toni Seleski married in 1969 and together raised two daughters, Kris and Katie. To his daughters, Dad was the first call when something went wrong, something needed fixing, a decision needed to be made, or they simply needed their daddy. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them.

Neil was equally devoted to his grandchildren. He was especially proud of Rich’s vast knowledge and skill as an engineer and hunter, fiercely proud and protective of his granddaughter, Elena, and a familiar face in the stands throughout years of baseball for his grandsons, Dominic and Samuel, rarely missing a game. He also delighted in being a great-grandfather to Elizabeth and Richie.

Neil’s role as the family problem solver extended well beyond his daughters and grandchildren. Uncle Neil was a surrogate dad to dozens of nieces and nephews. Whether the question was mechanical, practical, financial, or about life in general, chances were Neil had an answer. If he didn’t, he’d do the research and get back to you. Or he’d make something up with such confidence that you’d probably never know the difference.

Neil was a proud Catholic whose faith remained important throughout his life. In recent years, he most often attended Mass from home, faithfully watching online services from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha.

He enjoyed rooting for the Green Bay Packers (Go Pack Go), playing Wordle and Sudoku and forever listening to talk radio. He was happiest when going out to dinner with his dear friend Ellen or breakfast with his buddies, Mike and Clyde. He was never content just sitting around, regardless of the pain he was in— “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!”

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Iola Rosenbaum; his siblings, Camilla Stuckey, Bill Rosenbaum, Agnes Wilcox, and Rodney Rosenbaum; his sister-in-law, Irene Rosenbaum; his brothers-in-law, Jack Slama, Elmer Stuckey, Jim Wilcox, and Andy Dejno; and several nieces and nephews. 

He is survived by his daughters, Kris (Rich) Frye and Katie Pedicone (Greg Tracy); his grandchildren, Rich (Nicole) Frye, Elena Pedicone (Cole Griffin), Dominic Pedicone, and Samuel Frye; his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Richie Frye; his sisters, Mary Dejno, Joan (Henry) Van Swol, and Joyce (Jerry) Jacob; his sister-in-law, Betty Rosenbaum; his dear friend, Ellen Studebaker; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Those who loved Neil find comfort in imagining the reunion waiting for him with his parents, his brothers and sisters, and all those who went before him. After everything his body asked him to endure, he is finally free from pain. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookside Care Center and Hospice Alliance. 

And if something up there needs fixing, explaining, researching, or troubleshooting, they now have exactly the right guy.

See you on the other side, Dad.