Tom Rosenberger

Thomas Rosenberger, 71, of Merrifield, MN passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 29, 2010 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Tony Wroblewski and Father Steve Laflamme officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather Sunday afternoon from 1:30-4 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with a Rosary at 1:30 PM. Family and friend may also gather one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to "Shoes for Haiti" in care of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Brainerd.

Tom was born June 14, 1939, in St. Cloud, MN, the son of George and Genevieve (Heimenz) Rosenberger. He was the oldest of eight children. He served in the US Army Reserve for six years. Tom taught 5th grade for two years prior to serving as an elementary school principal in Red Oak, IA for two years. Tom was a principal at the Brainerd School District for 29 years. His motto at school was "Everybody Is Somebody". Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, and playing cards. The highlight of his life was serving the Lord and honoring the Blessed Mother. He loved serving the poor in Haiti and was known for his "Shoes for Haiti" project. He was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Sertoma, and the Merrifield Marathon's Snowmobile Club. Tom was President of the Northern Principals Association. He was also involved in Cursillo, an event close to his heart.

He will be missed by his wife of 35 years, Betty; his sons, Tim (Jean) Rosenberger and Scott (Julie) Rosenberger; daughter, Sarah (fiancé, Richard Johnson); grandchildren, Tyler, Samantha, Cayla, Christian, Cameron, James and Chris; sisters, Dianne (Gary) Peterson, Sue (John) Ebnet, Linda Fletcher (Rich Nothnagel), Ann (Matt) Rausch, Julie (Bill) Radobenko; brother, Steve Rosenberger; and sister-in-law, Mary Rosenberger. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Terry.