Rosalia Zetah

In loving memory of Rosalia (Kempe) Zetah, age 90, of Motley, MN, who died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, May 14, 2024 surrounded by family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Motley with Father Arlie Sowada officiating. Interment will be at the Motley Public Cemetery. Visitation begins at 9:30am on Saturday with Rosary at 10:15am preceding the mass of memorial service.

Rosalia was born on February 27, 1934, at home in Germania Township, Todd County, MN, the daughter of John and Veronica (Sweeney) Kempe.  Rosalia graduated from Staples High School in 1952.   She was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Zetah on Nov. 22, 1954, in St. Isidore's Catholic Church, Moran Township. To this union seven children were born. Jerry and Rose celebrated 51 years of marriage together. 

Rosalia touched the lives of many with her unwavering Catholic faith, serving as a beacon of light in her community. As a devoted CCD teacher, she imparted wisdom and kindness to countless students over the years. Her anticipation of the first robin's arrival symbolized her joy in life's simple pleasures, and her contagious laughter and bright smile brought warmth to all who knew her. A skilled Scrabble player, she relished friendly competition and cherished moments spent with loved ones around the game board. Known for her homemade bread and rhubarb pie, she was a gracious hostess who made everyone feel welcome in her home. Her love of jokes, morel mushrooms, and the majestic monarch butterfly reflected her zest for life's wonders.

A cherished member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, she found solace and strength in her faith and community. Her connection to the Holy Spirit was palpable, like a gentle dove guiding her through life's journey.  Her treasured statue of Mary in her yard held a special place in her heart, a symbol of her devotion and love for the Blessed Mother. 

Rosalia was preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Veronica (Sweeney) Kempe; siblings, Mary Heaser, Virginia Reger, Dolores Kurpius, John P. Kempe.  Rosalia is mourned in passing by her children, Bruce Zetah, of Motley, Joyce (Mark) Lindner, of Crosslake MN, Roger (Molly) Zetah, of Phoenix, AZ., Neil (Janet)  Zetah, of Buffalo Gap, SD, Donna Zetah, of Motley, Carol Zetah, of Motley, JoAnn (Ken) Jablonski, Scottsdale, AZ.; 19 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren; sisters Bernadine (George) Durbin, Audrey (Bob) Goligowski, Bonita (late Delbert) Hansen.  

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace, her spirit forever cherished in our hearts.

Services entrusted to Brenny Funeral Home, Staples.