Rose Olmschenk

Rose M. Olmschenk, age 84, of St. Martin, Minnesota, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 20, at Pine Haven Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2006 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the St. Martin Parish Center in St. Martin. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. followed by the rosary from St. Ann's Christian Mothers, Rosary Sodality, and St. Martin Catholic Aid at 8 p.m. Thursday evening.

Rose was born December 18, 1921, in Spring Hill, Minnesota to John and Katherine (Kortenbusch) Bertram. She married Herbert Olmschenk on May 28, 1945 in Spring Hill, Minnesota and the couple farmed near St. Martin until1983, when they retired and moved to St. Martin. Rose was a member of St. Martin Church, St. Ann's Christian Mothers, the Rosary Sodality, and St. Martin Catholic Aid Association.

Survivors include her children: Kathy Illies (Dennis) of Meire Grove, Norm Olmschenk (Kathy) of St. Martin, Barb Weisenberger (Dick) of St. Cloud, Jo Flanders (Mike) of Paynesville, Mike Olmschenk (Debbie) of St. Martin, Rose Steele (Ken) of Orlando, FL, and Fred Olmschenk (Nancy) of St. Martin; and grandchildren, Michelle (Johnson), Jody (Marcy), and Melissa Illies; Ryan, Adam, and Kevin Fuchs; Shannon (Sharpe), Camille, Travis, and Dugan Flanders; Sarah, Dustin, Westley, and Jesse Olmschenk; Elishia (Sosa), Brittany, and Dominique Steele; and two great-grandchildren, Kyra and Gus Johnson.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herb Olmschenk (February 9, 1993); sisters, Eleanor Kollmann and Leona Lieser; brother, Anthony Bertram; and one granddaughter, Stacie Illies.Rose enjoyed traveling with her husband Herb. She loved music and singing; especially singing Christmas carols with her children. Rose's life was centered around her family. Her love of embroidery and quilting is reflected in the many quilts and dishtowels she made for her children and grandchildren. Rose was an avid gardener, and her children greatly appreciated the fruits of her efforts in her canning, cooking, and baking (especially her Graham Cracker pie, Knadel soup, and Milk soup).Her infectious smile, gentle nature and generous spirit will be missed by all.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jody Illies, Missy Illies, Ryan Fuchs, Dustin Olmschenk, Sarah Olmschenk, Shannon Flanders, Travis Flanders, and Camille Flanders. Serving as cross bearer will be Kevin Fuchs and scripture bearer will be Brittany Steele. Honorary bearers will be St. Ann's Christian Mothers. Gift bearers will be Rose Steele and Jo Flanders. Lectors will be Missy Illies and Brittany Steele. Petitions will be read by Sarah Olmschenk and the eulogy by Camille Flanders.

During this time of sorrow we realize how much our friends mean to us. The family of Rose Olmschenk greatly appreciates your kindness and expression of sympathy. Thank you for your kindness. No thank you cards will be sent. The family of Rose Olmschenk.