Alden Rosell

Alden Lester Rosell was born in Spruce Hill Township on May 26, 1915, the son of Louis and Annie (Anderson) Rosell. He was raised and schooled in the Rose City Area. Following his schooling Alden worked for the WPA. On August 24, 1937 Alden was united in marriage to Hazel Peterson in Spruce Hill Township. The couple purchased the family farm from Albin Anderson, Alden?s grandfather, in Belle River Township where they made their home. Alden farmed for many years. In 1972 Hazel died and Alden retired from farming a short time later. In the mid 1970?s Alden began working as a custodian for the Douglas County Hospital and moved to Alexandria. He worked for the hospital for fourteen years, first as custodian and later as a courier. On March 31, 1979 Alden was united in marriage to Elrene Ehlen at Rose City. The couple made their home in Alexandria. Alden was a lifetime member of the Rose City Evangelical Free Church. Alden enjoyed working with livestock; he liked buying and selling cows and he loved his horses. While working on the farm Alden also worked as a carpenter and became skilled at woodworking. He was also a gardener and was proud of the vegetable garden he kept. Alden loved his family and loved spending time with them He was very proud of his children grandchildren nieces and nephews. Alden was close to his brothers too and spent many hours fishing with them in summer and winter. Going to coffee with his friends was also important to Alden. On Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Alden died at the age of ninety-six years. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jeremy Pavlicek; one brother Tilford Rosell; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mabel and Richard Oberg and Viola and Bernard Hultstrand; a niece, Nancy Hultstrand; a nephew Norman Hultstrand; and one sister-in-law Donna Rosell. Alden is survived by his wife, Elrene Rosell of Alexandria; three sons, Joe Ehlen of Donnelly, MN, Jim Ehlen of Canton, SD and Jeff Ehlen of Morris, MN; three daughters, Barb Fay and husband, Chris, of Willmar, MN, Laurie Driggins of Carver, MN and Deb Sinnott and husband, Jerry, of Duluth, MN; Several Grandchildren; Several great grandchildren; two brothers, DeWayne Rosell of Rose City and Eldridge Rosell and wife, Arlene, of Miltona; one sister, Eldora Rosell of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the Rose City Evangelical Free Church in Rose City. Reverend Larry Pearson and Reverend Jim Brown officiated. Alden?s grandchildren, nieces and nephews provided music. Jackie Roub was the musician. Interment followed in the Rose City Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers included all of the people who called Alden friend. Casket bearers included Don Oberg, Dennis Hultstrand, Rick Rosell, Barry Rosell, Gary Oberg and Ken Hultstrand. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral home in Alexandria, MN.