Rosella Sophia Duff

Rosella Sophia Duff, age 89 of Mankato, died on Wednesday, March 19, 2014.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2014 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Wayne Eichstadt officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Arrangements are with Mankato Mortuary.

Rosella Sophia Duff was one of nine children born to Carl August and Elsie Wilhelmena (Krueger) Possin. Rosella was close to her seven sisters and one brother, all born in Good Thunder, Minnesota. Rosella and Harold Edmund Duff began raising their family in 1943 in Mankato, MN where their 3 daughters and one son were all born. Harold and Rosella remained in Mankato for the rest of their lives. Rosella began her employment career in the food service industry and worked for several different eating establishments including the Wagon Wheel Cafe where she described her duties as cook, waitress and chief bottle washer. The latter part of her career was spent as a factory worker where she proudly held her own in positions that were typically filled by men. She retired from Midwest Electric in 1986.

Harold preceded her in death on June 30th 1977 and Rosella continued to reside in the home they built together on Pfau Street in Mankato. Rosella was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2006 and spent a few years in an assisted living facility. With the help and support of her children and grandchildren, Rosella was able to return to her home until her death. For the past few years her granddaughter, Kristine Petersen and Kriss son Colin, resided with Rosella providing her with round the clock care and were with her when she passed.

Rosella was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of several area service clubs throughout her life. Rosella's primary passion in life was her family. She was Grandma to 3 generations of children, and Aunt Honey to many, many nieces, nephews and their families. Rosie enjoyed traveling, fishing and family get- togethers with her sisters and their families. Rosella and her sisters always looked forward to when their baby brother could be a part of their adventures. When Rosie was not caring for the families of her children she spent many hours nursing small plant slips into beautiful blooms. Most likely, she is unofficially responsible for the many color variations in geraniums we see today!

Rosella became ill unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 19th and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato where she died shortly after arrival at the age of 89 years, 5 months and 9 days.

Rosella is survived by her 3 daughters: Marjorie Krause of Mapleton, Bonita and husband Carl Russell of Mesa, Arizona; Patricia and husband Roger Swearingen of Maple Grove, MN; her 1 son Michael and his wife Pat of North Mankato, MN; two sisters; Irene May of Florida; Bernice and husband Marlow Dorman of Sanborn, Iowa; only brother John Possin and his wife Linda of Graham, Washington; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters Viola Stauffenberg, Luverne Johnson, Evelyn Heath, Frances Jacobs, Esther Braam; and her parents.

Blessed be her memory.