Rosalie Gulbrandson

Rosalie Ann Gulbrandson passed away September 25, 2023, with her daughters and granddaughter at her side.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN with Pastor Drew Bakken officiating.

Rosalie was born in Decorah Iowa, December 31, 1930, to Clarence and Violet Wilkins, where she grew up with a brother and twin sisters. She graduated from Luther College in Decorah. There, she met her husband to be Ken, and married in 1952. They lived in Seneca WI, then Stewart, MN and her current home of the last 55 years on Gull Lake.

Rosalie was a teacher of physical education and biology as well as a coach of gymnastics. She was a leader in women’s sport participation, starting many programs in the 60’s. Teaching allowed her family to spend summers at Ottertail Lake prior to moving to Gull Lake year-round in 1968. She was an avid seamstress creating the latest fashions for her daughters, and then her grandchildren. She and Ken spent their retirement winters as active seniors in Florida where many friends were made. Her life changed when she became legally blind in the last 7 years of her life, along with a painful knee issue affecting her much loved daily walks. She taught us perspective by not complaining about her physical handicaps, as she said there were others that had not seen before they were blind, those who had not walked before they could not. These physical changes in her body created a small world, in which she did her stretching most days, rode her stationary bike, benefited from digital books through Services for the Blind, asking Alexa for radio programs, all which kept her mind sharp and engaged.

Rosalie gave life to 3 daughters, Nancy Gulbrandson, East Gull Lake, Debbie Johnigan, Cheyenne, WY, Barb (Al) Johnson, Laramie, WY, grandchildren: Jennifer Johnigan, Cody Johnson, Jessie Jo Leinen, Nate Johnson, and 5 great granddaughters. She has a sister, Charlene Kunkle.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ken Gulbrandson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to “Second Harvest" or “Lutheran Church of the Cross-general fund”.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.