Rosella M. Schendel, 91, of Tomah, Wis., passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Close to Home in Tomah, Wis. She was born Sept. 18, 1933, to Matt and Ottilia (Schreier) Schmid in Hillsboro, Wis.
Rosella was united in holy matrimony to Darwin L. Schendel on Feb. 18, 1950, at St. Mary’s Ridge Catholic Church. She worked for Monroe County Telephone Company from 1948 until 1964, six years in Ontario and Cashton and 10 years in Wilton. She then worked at Northern Engraving from 1965 until her retirement in 1995.
Rosella was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church – Indian Creek and Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah, and a member of the PCCW. She loved gardening and flowers. She also enjoyed crocheting and making blankets for everyone in the family, along with a few quilts. Rosella found importance in visiting the sick and was dedicated to staying in touch with many people throughout her life. When visiting the Amish, where she bought her strawberries, she always brought a bag of candy for the kids and became known as the “candy lady” in their community. She loved socializing with her friends, card playing, lunches, casino trips, etc. … she was always ready to go.
She had a special love for her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchild. Their visits always left them with everlasting memories. Rosella always had a soft spot for babies.
She is survived by her daughters, Dianna “Duff” Schermerhorn of Onalaska, Wis., and Susan (Terry) Allnutt of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three grandchildren, Anthony (Joan) Schermerhorn of Naples, Italy, Samantha (Darrin) Lemme of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Mathew (Melissa) Allnutt of San Diego, Calif.; five great-grandchildren, Shayne (Cody) Doyle of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Nikolas Schermerhorn of Naples, Fla., Emily and Bryan Allnutt of San Diego, Calif., and Makenzie Lemme of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one great-great-grandson, Anakin Doyle of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; her sister, Kathleen (Ed) Ruetten of Apple Valley, Minn.; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Ottilia Schmid; her husband, Darwin; her daughter, Sandra; her brother, Jerome Schmid; and her sister, Mary Schermerhorn.
Rosella made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be given in her honor to Queen of the Apostles Catholic Parish, 303 W. Monroe St., Tomah, WI 54660; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678; or Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center, 2767 State Rd 7 #300, Wellington, FL 33414. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Christine Jacobsen of Gundersen Health System, St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care, and the staff at Close to Home that went above and beyond to ensure the comfort of their mom.
