Lorella Pundsack

Lorella C. Pundsack, age 78 of Melrose, died peacefully on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 20 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Rev. Vincent Lieser concelebrating. Interment will follow the lunch at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in New Munich.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 5 p.m. followed by St. Anne's Christian Mothers and Immaculate Conception Catholic Aid at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Lorella Clara Ruegemer was born February 1, 1934 in St. Martin Township, Stearns County to Alfred and Magdalena (Blonigen) Ruegemer. On June 2, 1954 she married Elmer Pundsack at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. The couple farmed south of New Munich. After Elmer passed away, Lorella continued farming until retiring in 1987. Lorella was a mentor for Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, playing cards, fishing and spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, St. Anne's Christian Mothers in New Munich, Immaculate Conception Catholic United Financial in New Munich, and a member of the Immaculate Conception Choir for many years.

Survivors include her children, Jean (Dennis) Westrich of Upsala, Dale (Cindy) Pundsack of New Munich, Earl (Tammy) Pundsack of Melrose, Kurt (Joanie) Pundsack of Freeport and Kris (Pam) Pundsack of Freeport; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; brothers and sisters, Sylvester (Peggy) Ruegemer of Sauk Centre, Melvin (Aurelia) Ruegemer of Rockville, Edwin Ruegemer of Pinewood, Virgil (Sue) Ruegemer of Pierz, Larry (Mary) Ruegemer of Richmond, Viola Zierden of Grey Eagle and Lorraine (Gerald) Hoffman of Royalton.

Lorella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer Pundsack on October 12, 1974; infant daughter in 1956; sister, Marcella Zierden; brothers-in-law, Art and Jerome Zierden; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Ruegemer.

Serving as casket bearers will be Ryan Pundsack, Eric Mader, Dustin Pundsack, Nick Pundsack, Lisa Esparza and Emily Bloom. Cross bearer will be Paul Pundsack, scripture bearer will be Meghan Pundsack and flag bearer will be Amy Mader. Honorary bearers will be grandson, Trent Pundsack, St. Anne's Christian Mothers and Immaculate Conception Catholic United Financial.