Margaret Rosendahl, 97, Ada, Minnesota, died Thursday, June 15, 2017, at First Care Living Center, Fosston, MN.

Margaret Eleanor Nelson Rosendahl was born March 24, 1920, to Carl and Karen Nelson, on the family farm near Nelson, MN, during a snow storm. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Nelson. Margaret graduated from Alexandria High School, St. Cloud State Teacher's College, and the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.

As a 4-H member, Margaret won a trip to the National 4-H Club Camp in Washington, D.C. in 1946. During the camp, President and Mrs. Roosevelt drove through the campground, and Margaret was close enough to their car to talk with them.  While at the University of MN, Margaret was a member of the Beta of Clovia sorority, which was made up of former 4-H members.  In 1988, after more than 50 years of involvement with 4-H, she was honored with the Alumni Achievement award, winning a trip to 4-H Club Congress in Chicago.

She started her career teaching in country schools. Her first contract was written for a salary of $60 per month in 1939.  Margaret was the first County Extension Home Demonstration Agent in Marshall County, MN from 1947 to 1951.  When she moved to Ada, MN in 1951, she volunteered with many organizations while raising her family.  In 1976 she opened and operated The Knitting Knook in her home, selling yarn, Scandinavian needlework kits and teaching needlework classes.  She also worked part-time at the Ada Library for 23 years, and was known to many children as "the story hour lady".

In 1951, Margaret married Harold Rosendahl in Nelson, MN. Together they raised 4 children, Harlan, Mary, Laurie and Paul.  They enjoyed square dancing, tobogganing, gardening, refinishing furniture and entertaining.  They were known for fun card parties with lots of good food.

Margaret was an avid quilter and volunteered with the Grace Lutheran Church quilters, designing and making dozens of quilt tops a year.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her son, Harlan; her parents, her sisters, Minnie Osterholt and Ellen Eilers. She is survived by daughters Mary of St. Paul, MN; and Laurie (Arden) Kinnander of Armstrong, IA; son, Paul (Lisa) of Fosston; daughter-in-law, Connie Rosendahl of Elk River, MN; Grandchildren, Stacy (Jose) DeAnda, Edmond, OK;  Elliot (Stephanie) Kinnander, Watertown, SD;  McKinsey, Olivia & Nash Rosendahl, Fosston, MN;  Todd (Andrea) Krinke, and  Lisa Krinke of Buffalo, MN; Great grandsons, Breckin DeAnda, Briggs Kinnander, and Benjamin Krinke;  Great granddaughters, Amanda, Elisabeth and Madeline Krinke.  Nieces, Karen (Mark) Koch; Cleo (Paul) Fogal; Nephews Karl Eilers; Mike Eilers; Lowell Sedlacek; Harvey (Leslie) Sedlacek; and Jerry (Mary) Sedlacek.

The family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN, Minnesota 4-H Foundation, Norman County Historical Society, or Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Nelson, MN.

Memorial Service: 10:30AM, Saturday July 8, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Friday July 7, 2017, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 7:00PM prayer service at the church.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.