Rose Thoennes, 88

Rose Gertrude Thoennes, 88, died July 31, 2010.

Rose was born March 23, 1922 in Leaf Mountain Township to Anton and Caroline Rose (Freske) Daas. She was one of 12 children. She grew up on the family farm at Leaf Mountain and attended Sacred Heart parochial school in Urbank.

Following her schooling, Rose began working as a nanny, cook and housekeeper for different families in the Millerville and Urbank area. She moved to Fergus Falls and worked as a waitress for two years.

On August 7, 1945 Rose was united in marriage to Peter Thoennes. The couple made their home in Millerville and were blessed with 13 children. Raising her family and caring for her extended family became Rose’s career, and she did it very well.

Rose enjoyed keeping a large garden and canning her produce. She baked bread every day for her family and in the summertime she baked a cake each day. Rose’s family was very important to her. She loved going to family birthday parties, picnics and other events.

Rose also enjoyed spending time watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Wheel of Fortune. She liked playing cards, visiting on the phone and having friends and family to entertain. Rose was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church since moving to Millerville. She was active in the Christian Mothers and taught CCD classes for kindergartners. She was a member of the Millerville Senior Citizens Group and a member of the New Horizons BGEMs. Two years ago, Rose was the grand marshal of the Millerville parade and was the longest continuous resident of the village of Millerville.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen; four sisters, Annie Revering, Mathilda Debilzen, Mary Faber and Pauline Wagner; and six brothers, John, Frank Anthony, George, Isidore and Bernard Daas.

Rose is survived by her children, Phillip Thoennes and wife, Barbara, of Wadena, Judy Johnson and husband, John, of Alexandria, Mary Reuter and husband, Ken, of Sauk Centre, Ralph Thoennes of Alexandria, Donald Thoennes and wife, Cindy, of Alexandria, Michael Thoennes of Osakis, Darrell Thoennes and wife, Alice, of Alexandria, Mark Thoennes of Millerville, David Thoennes and friend, Laurie Wittrock, of Alexandria, Peter Thoennes of Alexandria, Vera Thoennes of Alexandria and Evelyn Thoennes of Alexandria; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brother, Peter Daas of Evansville; two sisters-in-law, Agnes Byrne of Millerville and Irene Daas of Millerville; many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, August 4 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Millerville. The Rev. Fr. Leroy Sheierl was the celebrant. Interment followed at the church cemetery. Casket bearers included all of Rose’s sons. Honorary casket bearers included all of Rose’s grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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