Myrtle L. Rosonke

Myrtle Rosonke, 90, of New Hampton, IA, died peacefully at home on March 3, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Holy Family Parish with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating the mass. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the funeral mass on Tuesday. PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY VIA CONWAY-MARKHAM FUNERAL HOME’S FACEBOOK PAGE. We do encourage anyone attending the visitation or funeral to wear a mask. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family. Myrtle was preceded in death by her devoted husband Harold, her parents, Irvin and Kathrine Marvin, granddaughter Kaitlyn Rosonke, brothers LaVern Marvin, Clarence Marvin, and Virgil Marvin, and sisters Alice Seeger and Marcella Simmons. Myrtle is survived by three loving sons, Michael (Lori) Rosonke, Patrick (Mildred Rinnels) Rosonke, and James (Donna) Rosonke all of New Hampton, her adoring grandchildren, Brittnee (Clayton) Pierse, Dr. Brooke (Sunidh Jani) Rosonke, Ben (Chelsi) Rosonke, Baylee (Shiven) Grover, Jeremy (Linda) Rosonke, Brian (Becky) Rosonke, Tina Rosonke, Melissa (Elliott Bugs) Holt, Joshua (Sarah) Rosonke, Lucas Rosonke, and Noelle (Kyle Baylock) Rosonke; 14 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Delores Welch of Cedar Lake, IN and Mary Knutson of Charles City, IA. Myrtle Lucille Marvin was born in rural Chickasaw County on April 23, 1930, the daughter of Irvin and Kathryn (Boehmer) Marvin. Myrtle met Harold Rosonke in Alta Vista at a square dance, and on September 1, 1954 they were united in marriage at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. In 1958, Harold and Myrtle made their home on the family farm west of New Hampton where Myrtle lived for 62 years. Together they enjoyed farming, card club, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Over the years Myrtle worked at Roger’s Famous Foods (The Pinicon), the Dairy Creme, and at the New Hampton Community School District where she retired as Head Cook after 24 years. In retirement it was not uncommon to find Myrtle walking on the treadmill for hours each morning at the CWC or diligently caring for her home, cleaning everything from the walls to the floors. Myrtle will be remembered most as a selfless, tirelessly welcoming matriarch who was more than happy to feed anyone who walked through her door. For over 30 years she hosted weekly family feasts where all were welcome. Homemade bread and buns, salads, pork and beef roasts, mashed potatoes with perfectly salted gravy, and buttered vegetables were followed by a buffet of dessert offerings that included homemade cinnamon rolls, cookies, and graham cracker crust whip cream topped pies, with everything from chocolate pudding to fruit filling in between. Anyone who enjoyed one of Myrtle’s feasts was also treated to the weekly update of her ever evolving opinions on a variety of matters, along with the disclaimer of “...but now that is just my opinion.” She thoroughly enjoyed spirited discussions, and her eyes would twinkle as she waited to see how her guests would respond to the week’s supposed convictions - which, truth be told, were often spoken just to get a reaction. The unexpected reactions were her favorite. Those who tried to help clean up before she was ready were told to “just sit and relax” - as it was really all about conversation and connection.