Rosemary “Rosie” Pexa, 84

Rosemary “Rosie” Pexa, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center.  Rosie was born on July 16, 1934, in Northfield to Joseph & Helen (Floren) Winter.  She attended St. Dominic Catholic School and graduated from Northfield High School.  Following high school, she was employed by Northwest Airlines and proudly worked for about a year in Washington, D.C.  After returning to Minnesota, she met and married the love of her life, George F. Pexa on April 7, 1956 in Northfield and started their life together on their farm near St. Patrick.  She spent the next years of her life with George raising their six children.  Rosie enjoyed gardening, canning, raising chickens, and working alongside George on the farm.  She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing matching outfits for her daughters especially for Easter. She was very dedicated to her children’s activities including 4-H, swimming lessons, and their education.  She was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church and taught religion while her children were young and played organ for over 30 years. Rosie and George were very active in the Prior Lake VFW Post 6208. Rosie served three terms as president of the Auxiliary and worked as the kitchen manager for over 30 years.

In 1983, Rosie and George moved to Cedar Lake. Holidays were spent at the lake home that they loved as their family grew with grandchildren. They had a large circle of friends, socializing through playing cards, baseball games, fishing, and traveling. One of the most memorable trips took them to the Czech Republic with the Dale Pexa Band. Rosie began working at St. Patrick’s Tavern until suffering a life-changing stroke in 2004. She remained optimistic, cheerful, and active through this setback. Rosie’s outgoing personality made her a friend to all who knew her. The highlight of her life was spending time with those friends, but especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rosie is survived by her children, Debbie (Jon) Tonkin of Bloomington, Mike  (Mary) Pexa of New Prague, Kathy (Mike) Kreuser of Jordan, John Pexa of New Market, Marge (Jim) Shimota of St. Patrick, Diana (Paul) Schoenbauer of St. Patrick; brother, Robert Winter of Northfield; sisters, Patricia Otte of Northfield, Katherine “Toots” (Robert) Vesledahl of Apple Valley, Jeanne Simpson of Northfield, Terry (Ken) Hausen of Northfield, Julia (JoAnn) Winter of Nerstrand, Kristine (DuWayne) Norberg of Dundas; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband, George, on July 25, 2011; parents; granddaughter, Amy Shimota; brother, Bill Winter; sisters-in-law, Joan Winter and Lila Winter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Church of St. Patrick of Cedar Lake with Father Michael Miller officiating.  Visitation will take place on Monday from 4-8 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and Tuesday morning from 10 – 11 AM at church.  Burial will occur in St. Patrick Cemetery followed by lunch in the church social hall.  bruzekfuneralhome.com