Rosella Bernadette Ess, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the memories of a life well lived. Rosella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose greatest joy in life was her family. She shared a loving marriage with her husband, Clarence Ess, and together they built a family rooted in love, faith, hard work, and cherished traditions.

Rosella was reunited in heaven with those she loved and missed dearly, including her beloved husband, Clarence Ess; her parents, Ruby Glassing-Schroeder and Lawrence Schroeder; her brothers, Lloyd and Arnold Schroeder, and their wives, Germaine and Dorothy; her sisters, Elaine Jacques and Evelyn Hickman, and their husbands, Sylvester Jacques and Clarence Hickman; her brother-in-law, Melvin Trelstad; her
father-in-law, Leonard Ess; her mother-in-law, Maude Brown-Ess; her brothers-in-law, Walter Ess, Frank Klingelhut, Leonard Ess, and William Lindquist; her sisters-in-law, Viola Ess, Maude Klingelhut, Evelyn Ess, and Marjorie Lindquist; her stepsons, Gordon and Gary Ess; her step-son-in-law, James Zipf; her daughter, Patricia Ess; her son-in-law, Gerald Fynboh; her grandson, Bobby Fynboh; and her great-grandson, Asa Kruse.
Though she carried the sorrow of these losses throughout her life, she also carried the love and memories they shared. She spoke of them often with affection, ensuring that their stories, laughter, and legacy remained a cherished part of her family for generations to come.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Susan Fynboh; Marilyn Kruse; Jean (Jeffrey) Lawrence; Richard Ess; Pamela (Mark) Bennett; Cynthia (Timothy) O'Reilly; her sister Loretta "Fuzzy" Trelstad; and her stepdaughter, Marjorie Zipf. She was a proud grandmother to 22 grandchildren, great-grandmother to 43 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandmother to 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Rosella had a gift for making a house feel like home.She loved tending to her garden, sewing quilts, preparing delicious meals for family gatherings, and spending time polka dancing. Whether she was working in her garden, cooking a favorite family recipe, or welcoming loved ones through her door, she found happiness in caring for others.

One of her family's most treasured traditions took place every Thanksgiving, when Rosella would sing her beloved "turkey song." Her playful performance never failed tomake everyone smile, and it became such a cherished part of the holiday that her family insisted she sing it every year. The laughter and joy she brought to those gatherings will be remembered fondly for generations to come.

Those who knew Rosella will remember her for her warm heart, gentle nature, and unwavering love for family. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. Nothing brought her more joy than having her children, grandchildren, and extended family gathered together, filling her home with laughter, stories, and love. Her caring spirit touched countless lives, and she treated everyone she met with kindness and compassion.
Rosella's deep Catholic faith and love for Jesus were at the heart of who she was. She trusted in God's plan, found comfort in prayer, and lived her life guided by kindness,humility, and love. She faithfully prayed for her family every day, lifting up their joys,struggles, and needs to the Lord. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,and great-great-grandchildren knew they could always count on Grandma's prayers,and those prayers remain one of the most precious legacies she leaves behind.

Rosella's family was her greatest accomplishment and her proudest blessing. The lessons she taught through her example: love generously, care deeply, work hard, and treasure family will continue to guide those who knew and loved her for generations to come.

Though her family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing that her love remains with them always and that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior. Her life was a beautiful testament to devotion, generosity, and unconditional love, and her memory will forever be held close in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4625 W. 125th Street, Savage, MN 55378. Visitation will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m.,with the funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Her children arise up, and call her blessed."
— Proverbs 31