Bernelda Rhode

Bernelda A. Rhode, age 79, of St. Rosa, died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 21 at the Pine Villa Chapel in Melrose with Rev. Ken Thielman officiating. Inurnment will be at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in St. Rosa after lunch.

Friends may call one hour prior to services at the Pine Villa Chapel in Melrose.

Bernelda Ann Arnzen was born October 16, 1929 in St. Rosa, Minnesota to Herman and Clara (Van Heel) Arnzen. On June 21, 1955 she married Alfred Rhode in St. Rosa. The couple farmed near the St. Rosa area for many years. Bernelda has resided at Pine Villa Care Center for 29 years. She was a wonderful help to the staff at the nursing home, bringing coffee to residents, helping with Bingo and also assisting Marilyn in the beauty shop. She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Bernelda was a former member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa and a current member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.

Survivors include her brother, Elmer (Mary Ann) Arnzen of Melrose; sister, Susan (Ervin) Vogel of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernelda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred Rhode on May 15, 1981; brothers and sisters, Gertrude Ostendorf, Al Arnzen, Martha Stanczyk, Marie Becker, Andrew Arnzen, Rose Tieman, Bridget Waldvogel and Esther Tobroxen.

Serving as urn bearer will be Donna Weidner. Serving as cross bearer will be Brenda Stang and scripture bearer will be Tim Vogel.