Rosella LaVerne Rodde Overby Strandemo, 99, of Kenyon, died peacefully with her children at her side on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at her residence.
Rosella was born to Alfred and Marie (Langemo) Rodde on November 22, 1926, at the family farm in rural Kenyon, the fifth of six children. After attending country school, she graduated from Kenyon High School in 1945. She then went on to take a business course and worked for Butler Bros in Minneapolis. Shortly after, she returned to Kenyon, and worked for the Kenyon Creamery.
On May 15, 1948, she married Stanley Overby. Together with children Charles and Sarah, they had many wonderful times as a family, fishing, camping, and traveling. Lifelong members of Gol Lutheran Church, they also led many Luther League activities, which impacted kids’ lives. Rosella also volunteered with conducting the church choir and Sunday School and VBS, and she was honored to be the secretary for the Women’s Synod in the 70’s.
After Stanley passed away in 1973, Rosella worked at the Kenyon Farmer’s Elevator as a bookkeeper until her marriage to Alverne Strandemo on June 19, 1982. Together they enjoyed many activities, including golfing, bowling, and cross country skiing, and traveled to Arizona and Florida numerous times. He passed away in 1999.
Rosella was always physically active, preferring outside activities to being inside to her last days. She won many trophies for her bowling and golfing, and also enjoyed gardening and bird watching, with her back yard being her lifelong sanctuary.
Rosella was a quietly inspiring person who lived with joy and optimism, despite a lot of hard times in her life. Her optimistic attitude tied directly back to her personal relationship with God, which she considered the most important thing in her life. She was a role model in every way to her children and grandchildren, and her quiet love and wicked Scrabble moves will be missed by each of us who was on the receiving end of both.
Rosella is survived by her children, Charles Overby (Laurel Flynn) of Sutton, AK and Sarah (Daniel) Jystad of Kenyon; grandchildren, Jason, Alyssa, Rachel, Adam, and Erin; and seven great-grandchildren. Rosella was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; husband, Alverne; children, Cleone Marie, Baby Boy, and Paul Richard; parents, Alfred and Marie Rodde; brothers, Albion (Marian) Rodde, Phillip Rodde, and Fritz (Shirley) Rodde; and sisters, Aldora (Harris) Lee and Alice (Bud) Bishop.
Memorial Service will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Gol Lutheran Church in Kenyon, with Pastor Joe Jorgensen officiating. There will be a time to visit with Rosella’s family following the service. Interment will be in Gol Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Union Gospel Mission or Gol Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Michaelson Funeral Home of Kenyon. Please visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com to leave a condolence for Rosella’s family.
