Joleen M. Rosenau

Obituary

Joleen Meta Rosenau was born on March 12, 1942, in New Ulm, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Theodor and Agnes (Hermel) Fluegge. Joleen was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at Zion Lutheran Church, Brighton Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota. She received her education at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in New Ulm and was a graduate of the New Ulm High School class of 1960.

On July 15, 1961, Joleen was united in marriage to Melvin Rosenau at Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Fairfax, for a short time before moving to New Ulm, and in 2000 moved to Winthrop, Minnesota. Joleen and Melvin were blessed with five children. Joleen had an in-home daycare and also did foster care for children. The couple shared 45 years of marriage when Melvin passed away on March 14, 2007.

Joleen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

Joleen enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and canning what she harvested. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking and listening to music; especially polka, country, and western. She loved cheering on the Minnesota Twins and camping at Big Lake. She loved to fish and smoke the carp she caught. Joleen cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joleen passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home at the age of 82 years. Blessed be her memory.

Joleen is survived by her:
Children,  Brenda Thedens of Lafayette, MN,
                 Lori McDermott (Rick Lentz) of New Ulm, MN,
                 Bruce (Lisa) Rosenau of West Concord, MN,
                 Keith (Alicia) Rosenau of Dodge Center, MN, and
                 Valerie (Wade) Haas of Freemont, NE;
19 Grandchildren, Paul (Angie) Thedens, Michael (Jade) McDermott, Jordy (Laci) Thedens, Anne McDermott, Jessica (Nick) Christianson, Anthony (Bobby Sue) McDermott, Jesse Rosenau, Jacob Rosenau, Katie (Brandon) Cassellius, Brennen Haas, Kaitlyn Haas, Logan Haas, Austin Haas, Ryan Rosenau, Nicole Braun, Savanna Clemon, Lilyanna (Tanner) Swarthout, Arianna Thompson, Jesenia Thompson;
13 Great-grandchildren, Jace Thedens, Wyatt Christianson, Landen Thedens, Marshall McDermott, Westin Christianson, Joxua Thedens, Wylie Christianson, Willa McDermott, Walker Christianson, Carson Haas, Lukas Merkel, Jacob Mullen and Kelsey Ladd;
Siblings, Lyle Fluegge of New Ulm, MN, Duane Fluegge of New Ulm, MN, Myron (T.J.) Fluegge of New Ulm, MN, Lynn (Karen) Fluegge of Nicollet, MN, and Cindy (Jim) Dretske of New Ulm, MN;
In-laws, Betty Rosenau, Emil Rosenau, Lynette Rosenau, Diane Rosenau, Carol Kiecker, Dennis (Deb) Rosenau, Barb Rosenau, Gene Rosenau, Marilyn (Arden) Alsleben;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Joleen was preceded in death by her Parents, Ted and Agnes Fluegge; Husband, Melvin Rosenau; Sisters-in-law, Shirley Fluegge, Mary Fluegge, Mary Ellen Fluegge; Son-in-law, Aaron Thedens; Brother, Willard Fluegge in infancy; In-laws, Ronald Rosenau, Violet Rosenau, Vernon Rosenau, Marlys Rosenau, David  Rosenau, Gene Kiecker, Larry Rosenau, Alice Rosenau.