Rosemary Helen Petrich

Rosemary Helen Petrich, age 74, of Staples, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Lakewood Health System. Rosemary was born on December 12, 1949, in Staples, to Frank & Pauline (Sweet) Nelson. She graduated from Staples High School in 1968.

She married her best friend, Reggie Petrich on June 1, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. They lived in Fridley and Circle Pines, Minnesota, where they raised their two children, Paul and Michael. Rosemary stayed home with the boys until they started school and then began her 30-year career with Benson/Twin City Optical. She retired in 2010. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at the Staples Food Shelf.

Rosemary had many adventures with Reggie, he would pick her up after work to go fishing at Mille Lacs or Leech Lake, where she would out fish Reggie many times with her drop and pull method. They were long-time volunteers at “Back to the 50’s” car show and attended car shows across the state. Rosemary always looked forward to Staples Railroad Days and the Penny auction. If you knew her, you quickly realized she was lucky. She seemed to win every raffle and drawing. Her secret to winning may have been that if she won money, she gave a 1/3 back to the church.

Rosemary also enjoyed spending time with her family at Dead Lake and Lake Osakis, where she loved to sit by the lake and read books.

The thing that brought Rosemary the most joy was following her boys’ and grandchildren’s sports.

Rosemary and Reggie were members of the Staples Wrestling Club and attended every single wrestling match and football game. She continued to be an avid sports fan of her grandchildren, following Staples-Motley football, wrestling, baseball, track & field, CLC and Bemidji State Football. She even became an Osakis fan, following football, track and Prairie Centre Hockey.

She was especially looking forward to meeting her first great grandchild in May.

Rosemary will lovingly be remembered by her family for her mashed potatoes, spritz cookies and the over-abundance of gifts (including socks) at Christmas.

Left to cherish her memory are beloved husband of 55 years, Reggie; sons, Paul (Kathy) Petrich and Michael (Greta) Petrich; sisters, Juanita (Richard) Allee, Patronel (Gary) Steinke and Dorothy Hall; grandchildren, Blake (Brooke) Petrich, Miranda Petrich, Kimberli Kronenberg, Adam Petrich, Issac Kronenberg, Jack Petrich and Steven Petrich; many nieces and nephews.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Ruthie Hanson, Ronnie Nelson, Pauline Beach, Frances Winter, Elnora Dempsey, Jimmy Nelson and Chuck Nelson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11AM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery.