Rosella Olsen
December 22, 1921 ~ April 27, 2016
Rosella Olsen, 94, of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Highmore Health in Highmore.
Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 2, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Highmore. Visitation began at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 2016 with a 3:30 p.m. rosary and 4:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.
Rosella was born December 22, 1921 in Redfield, South Dakota to Irene (Sporrer) and Chauncey Klebsch. She had two brothers, Kenny and Willis. She grew up in the surrounding areas before the family settled on the farm north of Highmore which she said was finally home. After graduation, she made a huge move and went to California, living with an aunt and uncle and getting a job working in the postal department. This is where she met the love of her life, Ole Olsen. He was in the navy and would come in to get the sacks of mail. They fell in love and were married October 6, 1946 in Los Angeles. To this union, one child was born. The baby boy died right after birth. This was very devastating for Ole and Rosella, they never tried again.
Rosella was a wonderful aunt to all her nieces and nephews, a second mother to many of them. She and Ole would leave Easter baskets for kids in secret. One memory is when she left a basket for a great nephew, he was looking out the window and said, “there’s aunt Rosella and uncle Ole leaving me a basket. They think they’re the Easter bunny”.
She loved to go to fire school where she had many friends. The Fireman's Ball on New Year’s Eve was one of her favorites, she usually wore a long dress. Also in her free time, she enjoyed bowling, ceramics, and play the card game 31. She was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and choir and American Legion Auxiliary for 63 years.
In her working years, she worked at the local bank “forever”. (which is her word “forever”). She loved working and all of her favorite customers. She eventually retired and in December of 2008 after her husband Ole passed away, she went to live at the Highmore Health due to declining health. She was a hugger and kisser, receiving excellent care and loved everyone there. She would touch the end of your nose and say, “you’s a good kid”.
Survivors include her brother, Kenny (Shirley) Klebsch of Highmore; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many great friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ole; infant son; and brother, Willis (Shirley) Klebsch.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Rosella’s arrangements.View current weather.
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I am so sorry to hear of Rosella’s passing.
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Rosella. The loss of our dear loved ones can be very difficult and distressing to cope with. It has helped myself and others when we remember that they now safely rest in the loving memory of our Grand Creator, waiting for the fulfillment of His promised purpose. Also, may your own good and loving memories of Rosella help to soothe your hearts. Sincerely ( Revelation 21 : 3-5; Acts 24 : 15; Psalms 37 : 11, 34 )
We will be missing one of Highmore’s long time residents and supporter of everything! So loved visiting with Rosie and her husband Ollie (now they are together) when back in South Dakota! Love and Prayers to all her family and friends. Rest in Peace dear Rosie!
To all the Olsen Family you have my deepest sympathy.
Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to our family for the loss of Rosella.
Everyone in our extended family thought so much of Rosella. She was a wonderful granddaughter-in-law, niece-in-law and cousin-in-law. Our large family could be intimidating but Rosella "entered in" with grace and thoughtfulness. Our deepest sympathy to family and friends. Diane B. Beaman
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of dear Rosella. Another angel in Heaven!
We are so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort, Jehovah, look after you during this most difficult time. In the book of Revelation 21:3,4 there is a beautiful promise he gives where he says that soon will come a time when death, mourning, and tears will be no more. May thoughts and scriptures like this be of comfort to you during this most difficult time.
I will truly miss Rosella when visiting at HHCC. We always had such a nice visit and reminisced about working together at the Bank several years ago. I always loved her smile (which she always had). Sincere Sympathy, Mary Thorson