Watch Rosella's Memorial Mass

Rosella Spaeth, age 100, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Rosella Marie, the daughter Adolph and Laura (Hillesland) Blaser, was born on December 27, 1921, at home near Mahnomen. She was a lifelong member of the Mahnomen community. Rosella attended country school and as a young woman began working at the Corner Café in Mahnomen. She met the love of her life, Elmer Spaeth, and the couple was united in marriage on October 19, 1943, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. Shortly thereafter, they began their family and were blessed with seven children. Along with raising their children, Rosella continued to work as a cook at the café. She was also employed by St. Michael's Catholic School, providing student meals for over 20 years. Following Elmer's death in 1995, Rosella remained in her home for many more years. As her health failed, she entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home but stayed active, smiling, and visiting with family through and following her 100 ^th birthday, three weeks ago.

In earlier years, Rosella was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary as well as a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She enjoyed quilting, playing cards, and Bingo as often as possible. She always had a large garden and canned her produce each season. Cooking was a part of Rosella's everyday life, not only as her career, but to feed her large family. She especially enjoyed, and was well known for, her special Spaeth sausage. Rosella adored her family and loved being a grandma.  Above all, her faith and her family were what Rosella held closest to her heart.

Rosella's family would like to express their appreciation to all the staff at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, and to all those who showed Rosella love and compassion over the years. They are especially grateful for her sister, Carol, who was always there to keep a watchful eye and lend a helping hand when Rosie needed it.

Rosella is survived by four sons: Virgil (Judy) of Henning, MN, Thomas of Walker, MN, Darrell (Laurie) of New Richmond, WI, and Brent (Brenda) of Waubun, MN; three daughters: Vivian (Mike) Schoenborn of Mahnomen, Yvonne (Ron) Harris of Armstrong, IA, and Patricia (Kent) Kelly of Eden Valley, MN; three brothers: Joseph Blaser, David (Carolyn) Blaser and John (Linda) Blaser; five sisters: Lorraine Hefel, Mildred Jasken, Carol (Walter) Geray, Marge Ellsinger and Diane Botz; 20 grandchildren: Angela Trovick, Tamara Spaeth, Jason Spaeth, Don Schoenborn, Darla Petersen, Scott Schoenborn, Jennifer Vitzthum, Russ Harris, Rick Harris, Chuck Harris, Chad Harris, Kimberly Presley, Ryan Dolan Spaeth, Brett Kelly, Brad Kelly, Brandon Kelly, Joe Spaeth, Lisa Main, Nichole Peltier, and Stacy Williams; 38 great-grandchildren: Trenton, Tyler, and Tacey Trovik, Ashley, Jordon, and Tyler Schoenborn, Derek and Drew Petersen, Katelyn and Connor Vitzthum, Bryce and Bailie Harris, Walker and Ryan Harris, Kensie and Jake Harris, Michelle, Katie, Kristen, Danielle, and Michael Harris, Madison Rose Spaeth, Abby Presley and Oliva Dolan Spaeth, Shannon and Jackson Kelly, Brady, Grant and Allison Kelly, Finley and John Kelly, Laila, Colton and Elsie Rosella Main, Kailen and Adelyn Peltier, and Grayson and Carson Williams.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; son-in-law, Dennis Johnson; granddaughter, Rochelle Johnson; two brothers, Arnold and Clarence Blaser; and several in-laws.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 27, 2022 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. A time of gathering will be held at the church on Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm and Rosary to Follow. Inurnment will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.