The $180 Million Powerball Curse: 7 Shocking Facts About Paul And Sue Rosenau’s Tragic Legacy

The story of Paul and Sue Rosenau is not a typical lottery fairy tale; it is a profound and often heartbreaking narrative of immense luck intertwined with devastating personal tragedy and financial betrayal. Their $180 million Powerball jackpot win in 2008 became less about personal enrichment and more about a dedicated, relentless mission to turn their sudden wealth into a force for medical good, a mission that continues to this day, as evidenced by the Rosenau Family Research Foundation’s active grant cycle in late 2024 and early 2025. The couple, who were described as "salt of the earth people" from Waseca, Minnesota, saw their lives irrevocably changed by the winning ticket, which they purchased on a significant and sorrowful anniversary. This article explores the seven most shocking and inspiring facts about their journey, from the lottery win's emotional timing to the enduring, life-saving legacy they built in the face of immense personal and financial adversity.

Paul and Sue Rosenau: A Biographical Profile

The lives of Paul and Sue Rosenau, prior to their monumental lottery win, were rooted in the quiet, hardworking community of Waseca, Minnesota. Their story is one of typical American life suddenly thrust into the global spotlight.

• Paul Rosenau: A dedicated husband and co-founder of the Rosenau Family Research Foundation. He was the one who purchased the winning Powerball ticket. Following his wife’s death, he continued to oversee the foundation's mission.
• Sue (Susan) Rosenau: Born November 30, 1953, and passed away on July 31, 2018. She was instrumental in establishing the foundation and defining its mission to combat rare genetic diseases.
• The Powerball Win: The couple won a massive $180.1 million Powerball jackpot in May 2008. They chose the lump-sum payout, which amounted to a pre-tax total of approximately $88 million.
• Home State: Waseca, Minnesota.
• Children & Grandchildren: They have a daughter, Stacy Pike-Langenfeld, and a son, Brett Rosenau. Their granddaughter, Kailey, tragically died from Krabbe disease.
• Primary Legacy: The Rosenau Family Research Foundation (RFRF), established to fund research for Krabbe disease and Cystic Fibrosis.

1. The Powerball Win Coincided with a Heartbreaking Anniversary

The timing of the Rosenau's Powerball win was not just lucky—it was profoundly emotional. The couple purchased the winning ticket on May 10, 2008. This date was the fifth anniversary of the death of their beloved granddaughter, Kailey. Kailey had passed away at a very young age from Krabbe disease, a rare and devastating genetic disorder. Paul and Sue were reflecting on their loss that day, making the $180 million jackpot feel like a bittersweet, divinely-timed opportunity to create something positive from their tragedy.

2. They Immediately Dedicated a Massive Chunk of Winnings to Medical Research

Unlike many lottery winners who prioritize luxury and personal spending, the Rosenaus’ first priority was to tackle the disease that took their granddaughter's life. They set aside a staggering $26.4 million of their after-tax winnings to establish their charitable organization. This initial organization was called The Legacy of Angels Foundation, which was later renamed the Rosenau Family Research Foundation (RFRF). Their mission was clear: to find a cure for Krabbe disease and Cystic Fibrosis, another rare genetic disorder.

3. The Foundation Is Still Actively Funding Cutting-Edge Research in 2025

The Rosenau's legacy is not just a historical footnote; it is a vibrant, ongoing effort that continues to make significant strides in rare disease research. The Rosenau Family Research Foundation (RFRF) remains highly active, demonstrating a commitment to their original goal. In 2024 and 2025, the RFRF announced a new class of grant recipients, funding researchers at major institutions. Recent funding has gone to researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the University at Buffalo to investigate advancements in Krabbe disease treatment. The RFRF also collaborates with organizations like KrabbeConnect to catalyze groundbreaking studies, proving the enduring impact of Paul and Sue’s initial decision.

4. Paul Rosenau Was Forced to Sue His Financial Advisor for Mismanagement

The immense wealth brought with it a tragic pitfall: financial betrayal. Paul and Sue, trusting their local connections, hired a financial advisor who allegedly mismanaged a significant portion of their assets. The issue centered on the advisor, identified in court filings as a man named Priebe, selling the Rosenaus "the wrong annuities" and other inappropriate investments. This led to a protracted legal battle against the advisor’s firm, Principal Financial Group. The lawsuit revealed a deterioration in the relationship by 2017, and Paul Rosenau eventually won a judgment against Principal Securities for mismanagement.

5. Sue Rosenau Passed Away Ten Years After the Win

A decade after their life-altering win, Sue Rosenau passed away on July 31, 2018. Her death marked a profound loss for the family and the foundation she helped build. Sue spent nearly a year after the lottery win organizing a strategic plan to institute the foundation’s mission for Krabbe disease and Cystic Fibrosis. Her dedication ensured that the foundation’s work would continue long after her passing, cementing her legacy as a humanitarian.

6. The Rosenau Children Continue to Oversee the Dynasty Trust

The family's commitment to the foundation’s mission remains strong, even after the death of Sue and the ongoing legal battles. Paul Rosenau established the Paul and Sue Rosenau Family Delaware Dynasty Trust to manage their wealth and charitable giving. Recent legal filings from February 2024 indicate that their children—Stacy Pike-Langenfeld, Heather Techmeier, and Brett Rosenau—are listed as beneficiaries and actively involved in the trust’s affairs. This structure ensures that the wealth continues to serve its original, humanitarian purpose, demonstrating a generational commitment to curing rare diseases.

7. Their Story is a Cautionary Tale of Trust and Wealth Management

The Rosenaus' experience has become a widely cited case study in the financial world about the dangers of sudden wealth and the necessity of due diligence when selecting a financial advisor. Financial experts often reference the "Powerball to Pitfall" story to highlight how even the most well-intentioned lottery winners can be misled by advisors prioritizing commissions over client welfare, particularly through the sale of complex or high-fee products like unsuitable annuities. Paul and Sue Rosenau’s legacy is therefore twofold: a story of incredible philanthropy that has fueled vital medical research, and a clear warning about the high price of misplaced trust in the world of extreme wealth.

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