Rosella Glanzer: 1933-2023
Rosella Glanzer, 90, of Freeman, S.D., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. A funeral service was held Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church of rural Freeman, with internment at the church cemetery.
Rosella Gross Glanzer was welcomed into the presence of the Lord on Sept. 6, 2023. She was born June 2, 1933 to William P. and Katy (Pullman) Gross on a farm southwest of Bridgewater, S.D. She joined a family of five sisters: Mary, Anna, Katy, Jessie and Marcella (her twin sister). Upon confession of faith, she was baptized by Rev. Albert Ewert on Aug. 28, 1949 at the Neu Hutterthaler Mennonite Church. She attended country school Taylor #7 and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1952.
The following is an excerpt from an article Rosella wrote for the church newsletter in commemoration of her 80th birthday in June 2013:
“I grew up in a Christian home and attended the Neu Hutterthaler Mennonite Church. I accepted Christ as my Savior at an evangelistic meeting by our pastor, Rev. Ewert.
“Music always played a major part in our home. With all of my sisters, we made joyful music together as we sang in four-part harmony. We also played piano and accordion. We sang at funerals and other occasions in the community.
“In 1955, I married Melvin Glanzer, and we lived on a farm northeast of Emery. It was not close to our parents or church, but we drove the 23 miles to Hutterthal faithfully and attended church regularly. I joined Hutterthal and sang in a ladies’ trio for many years as well as mixed choir and ladies ensemble. I also taught children’s Sunday School and led the singing in the Primary Department for many years. I enjoyed working with the children. Their voices are so sweet, and, of course, they are so cute!
“In 1959, we were blessed with the addition of a wonderful bundle of joy. We named her Linda Kay. She was the sunshine of our home. She also enjoyed music very much, so we had lots of piano-playing and singing at our home again. Linda is married to Dennis Schrag, and they live southeast of Freeman. We also have an adopted granddaughter, Aprille Birkey, and great-granddaughter, Jessica.
“I worked at the Salem Home Assisted Living for almost 25 years as a cook and also in the laundry department. The residents and my co-workers became very special to me. It was hard work but very rewarding. We moved to Freeman in October of 1991 and enjoy living here.
“My health has been declining the last few years. I had a stroke about 2 ½ years ago which affected my balance and makes walking difficult. I am learning to take one day at a time and lean on God’s strength to get me through. Our God supplies all our needs, not our wants.
“I thank God for His blessings through the years. God is Good!”
Rosella was a wonderful cook and hosted many guests through the years. She also enjoyed sharing her homemade baked treats with others and, for many years, made her special Christmas baskets filled with delicious goodies for friends and family.
Melvin and Rosella were privileged to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005, which was a highlight for them.
Due to health reasons, Rosella joined Melvin at Oakview Terrace in June of 2015. Melvin passed away on Feb. 18, 2017. During her last years in the nursing home as her health continued to fail, she would hear about the troubles in the world and would say almost daily “If only Christ would come.” She loved the Lord and longed to be with him.
Another highlight for Rosella was celebrating her 90th birthday with her twin sister, Marcella, in June of this year.
Those grateful for sharing her life are her daughter Linda and husband Dennis Schrag of rural Freeman; twin sister Marcella Glanzer of Freeman; sister-in-law Alice Buller, Henderson, Neb.; brother-in-law Wesley (Cara) Glanzer, Harlan, Ind., as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.
Rosella was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents; two brothers who died in infancy; sisters Mary and husband Mike J. Glanzer; Anna and husband Jake M. Hofer; Katy and husband Jacob Glanzer; Jessie Gross; brother-in-law Aaron Glanzer; sister-in-law Selma Olson and husband Don; and brother-in-law Abe Buller.
