Greta Roske

Greta Caroline Roske was born December 6, 1919 on the family farm near Elbow Lake, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian faith. Greta attended country school through 8th grade, then worked for neighbors and relatives doing housework, babysitting and other household duties. She met Walter Roske at a neighbor's house party; this neighbor happened to be Walter's grandmother Schwartz. They married three years later on September 25, 1940 and spent 72 wonderful years together. Greta and Walter were active members of Zion Lutheran Church of Hoffman. Sundays were held sacred, first for worship, then for gathering together with family or friends for home cooked meals, conversation, and a few rounds of Whist or Yahtzee. Greta and Walter owned their family farm until the early 1970s when they moved into Hoffman. At that time, Greta began working as a nursing assistant at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Hoffman and continued working there until her retirement. Later in life, Greta and Walter spent their days traveling in their camper or taking bus tours throughout the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, including a memorable anniversary trip to Niagara Falls. Greta was very proud to say that she had visited 44 of the lower 48 states.

Greta enjoyed quilting, crocheting, embroidering, gardening, and canning. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and Homemakers. She was a very active volunteer at the Hoffman Senior Citizen Center as well as the Good Samaritan Center. Greta was once awarded the Grant County Volunteer of the Year. Her family was very important to her, and she eagerly anticipated attending the many events in their lives. She especially loved the holidays and extended family reunions.

Greta Roske, a fighter to the end, died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday August 9, 2013, at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria MN. Greta was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Roelfien (Frikken) Kruize; brother, William "Bill" Kruize; daughter, Charlene Willhite; cousins, nieces and nephews. She is survived by husband of 72 years, Walter Roske; brother Carl Kruize, Jr of Elbow Lake, MN; sister-in-law Toni Kruize of Wahpeton, ND; children, Carol (Maurie) Wohlers of Breezy Point, MN, David (Nancy) Roske of Garrison, MN, Diane (John) McKenzie of Maple Grove, MN, Russell Roske of Donnelly, MN and Gwen (Russ) Hallenbeck of Blaine MN; son-in-law, Leo Willhite of Rapid City SD; lifelong friend, Minnie Neubauer; 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Monday 4pm-7pm at the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman MN and one hour prior to service. Funeral Service: Tuesday 11am at Zion Lutheran Church, Hoffman MN

Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Hoffman 103 7th Street North Hoffman, MN US 56339

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Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, August 12, 2013
Service
Tuesday, August 13, 2013