Sounds like Rose Mosaic Virus (RMV). Many grafted roses have RMV. Many roses live for years without exhibiting the symptoms. There is no cure. RMV can weaken a rose until it no longer thrives. Many of us have RMV-infected plants that we continue to grow. In addition to the link below, do a search at Google.com for "Rose mosaic virus" you'll see more photos. Here is a link that might be useful: Rose Mosaic Virus at Baldo's Site

There are many hardy roses which may not have the big high centered flowers of the hybrid teas but are pretty in their own right and fragrant as a bonus. Any hybrid rugosa is good and is hardy to the tips, very fragrant also. Canadian Explorers of which there are several climbers were specially hybridized to withstand temperatures to minus 40 in some cases. The Canadian Parkland series, many of which begin with Morden, as in Morden Sunrise, Morden Ruby, and Morden Fireglow, bloom very much like floribundas and Griffith Buck roses are often referred to as hybrid tea wannabees. While the latter will die back somewhat, they come back quickly. I also grow over 20 climbers that are hardy also. Roses by Bailey nurseries from your area are also hardy. Hardy can mean crown hardy not necessarily cane hardy. In your zone, burying the bud union 4-6 inches deep will help protect the bush except on really tender hybrid teas. I'd get own root roses as they have no bud union to worry about. You'll not find own roots at Pickering and Palatine. Roses Unlimited, Vintage Roses, among others are fine own root nurseries but you should purchase now or wait until spring. If planted too late in the season, own root roses grown in warm climates and shipped to cold growing area, won't have time to get established and acclimated this year. While I don't get as cold as you, I grow 400 hardy varieties in my zone 5a and do little more than allow nature to blow leaves in around the bases of my roses. Snow cover before a severe drop in temps will also act as insulation. You should have snow cover most of the winter. E-mail me for a list of roses I grow that are hardy for me and would most likely survive your cold winters. All mine are own root.

It's been in its current location since we moved here 15 years ago. Up until yesterday it was surrounded by grass. No other trees/shrubs seem to be showing signs of problems. This is the first time in 15 years I've really paid special attention to it (it hasn't had problems until the last couple years- this year it didn't even flower). The steps I've taken so far are pretty generic and I don't think it would hurt the tree at all. It just might not be what it needs Thanks for the replies!

At this time of year, there is nothing to "fix". The leaves will be dropping presently. Just rake them all up and dispose of them. Next spring when the tree leafs out, keep an eye on it for the development of any early spotting and treat as required.