Rose Fondell

Fondell, Rose Theresia Age 97 of New Hope, went home peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020 surrounded by family.  Faith, family, and volunteerism were most important in Rose’s life, and she was genuinely known as St. Rose.

Preceded in death by her soulmate and loving husband of 65 years, Frank; parents, John and Martha Mueller; siblings, Winnie, Leo, Army and Renee; son, Thomas; and grandson, Connor.  Survived by children, Renee, Chris (Lauren), Michele (Michael), Jeanne (Randy), Joe (Robin), Annette (Dale), 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Rose lived her Catholic faith in so many ways.  She was an active member of St. Helena’s parish, coordinating funeral lunches, working on the yearly festival, and filling boxes for the Appalachian mission at Christmas.  She coordinated a monthly senior luncheon serving 60 to 80 seniors, until age 89.   She was a member of the EZ Workers Mission Group, working on projects like rummage sales to support missions serving other areas of the world.  Some of the organizations that have benefited from her volunteerism include Sharing and Caring Hands (serving over 35 years), People Serving People, Meals on Wheels, Loaves and Fishes, St. Joseph’s Home for Children, and Little Brothers.  In addition, she was an avid garage-saler for a cause, with her motto “Just on General Principles”, she collected items for Birthright, St. Stephen’s Shelter, and St. Joseph’s Hope Community.  Her love of service will continue to live on as her family picks up the torch, but her tiny feet have created some big shoes to fill.

Rose married Frank on June 21st, 1952 and welcomed into the world seven children over the next ten years.  After raising her children, she worked in Consumer Response at Pillsbury, but she remained a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She built connections with each member of her family.  She spent hours crafting, cooking and playing cards on sleepovers with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family holiday traditions started with her children and have continued for over 65 years.  Christmas Eves were a wonder of food, Christmas carols, and midnight mass.  And for many years, the Easter and Thanksgiving meals involved serving others at a Little Brothers meal site before returning to her home for the family meal. It took a very special woman to pull off serving others first when she had 25 people returning to her home to dine.

Her warm, sustaining faith in God and her determination that we can make life better for others will continue to inspire her family.  We are eternally grateful to have been a part of her world. Our family wishes to thank the amazing staff at St Therese of New Hope for everything they did to care for our mom and special niece Mary Willie for all of her prayer-filled visits.  Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Therese Pastoral Care, 8008 Bass Lake Road, New Hope, MN  55428. Mail cards to Bradshaw, 3131 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls., MN 55406.