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Rosellen (Rose) M. Gefre, 85, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away March 23, 2017, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor. Family will greet visitors from 5-7 pm, Monday, March 27 at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary with a prayer service at 7:00. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen, with Father Michael Griffin as celebrant.

Rose was born July 28, 1931, to Clifford and Marigold (Perry) Miller in Chelsea, SD. She attended school at Northville, SD, graduating from high school in 1949. She moved to Aberdeen later that summer and worked for Kresge five-and-dime department store. While attending the State Fair that year with friends, she met her future husband. 

On September 25, 1950, Rose married Albert Gefre at St. Mary’s Church in Aberdeen. In 1957, as a member of the Altar Society, Rose joined Band Eleven (later St. Hillary), a group of women who became life-long friends. Later, Rose worked for Sears Roebuck Co., employed most of 25 years in the service department. In retirement, she enjoyed cards with friends, reading, puzzles of all kinds, and just relaxing. 

Rose and Al enjoyed over fifteen years of touring the west by motorcycle. Rose liked getting to know people and engaging in conversation. She appreciated all living things, especially those that needed nurturing. She cared for many birds and animals that passed through her yard and her plants flourished.

Rose is survived by her husband of 66 years, Albert; four children: Teresa (Charles) Myers of Frederick, CO, Catherine (DeVern) Gerber of Nibley, UT, Marie (Anselem) Rumpca of Pierre, SD, Thomas (Lynne) Gefre of Newark, DE; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Evelyn Lutter of Flandreau, SD, Vivian Albee of Eureka, SD, Velma (Joe) Weinreis of Parachute, CO, and LaVaun Hahn of Babbitt, MN.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Timothy, two great-grandchildren, brother Melvin Miller of Denver, CO, and sisters Lucille Way of Redfield, SD, Barbara Miller (childhood), Lorrine Albrecht of Aberdeen, SD, and Diane Evans of Willmar, MN.