Rose M. SLOMBA

1920 - 2020

BORN

1920

DIED

2020

Rose SLOMBA Obituary

Born February 29, 1920 Died September 24, 2020 Rose transitioned peacefully into eternal life surrounded by loving family at her daughter and son-in-law's home the evening of Thursday, September 24. Preceded in death by her husband Frank and her entire birth family of five brothers and four sisters, and her Italian immigrant parents, Anthony and Carmella (Fusco). She was raised on a farm in East Eden, New York where she learned the values of hard work and making things last. She met her future husband in Buffalo, NY and married him in 1942 when he was on leave from the Army Air Corps. Their marriage led them to live in many places across the country as Frank pursued career opportunities. However, their move to Minnesota was their favorite and afforded them the opportunity to learn and play golf, at which both excelled and became a lifetime passion. Following Frank's retirement, they moved to Holmes Beach, Florida where they enjoyed warm days, great friends and all the golf they could play. They were married for 60 years when Frank died in 2002 in Holmes Beach. Rose later moved back to Minnesota at the age of 97 to be close to the Minnesota-rooted side of her family. She was an excellent cook and baker (especially pies) who infused love into every creation. Her biscotti recipe has found its way to many homes from the east coast, to Minnesota and Anna Maria, Florida. She loved to host church dinners at St. Bernard's Parish (Holmes Beach) which brought out scores of residents and visitors who feasted on her Italian, Polish, Irish and German cuisine. She was truly an artist in the kitchen. As our family often says, she could even make shoe leather taste delicious. Rose raised two beautiful daughters: Judith Anne Klepperich (Robert) and Rosemarie Knick. They remained her pride and joy to the end. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her grandchildren Scott Knick (Michell), David Klepperich (Roxane), Jon Knick, Kathryn Klecan( Brian) and eight great grandchildren who gave her immeasurable joy. Special thanks to all of the caring professionals associated with Allina Hospice. We are especially grateful to Julie, her nurse and Cathy Dobihal, her healthcare aide for their consistent caring attention. A private family service will be held on October 10. Memorials preferred to Holy Family Maronite Catholic Church (Mendota Heights), or donor's choice. Rose will always be with us. We carry her in our hearts.

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Published by Pioneer Press on Sep. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Rose SLOMBA

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

6 Entries

Donna Sessanna

December 17, 2020

My deepest sympathy for your loss! Aunt Rose touched my heart in so many ways! I have many fond memories of visits and conversations with her throughout the years from 1965 when I married her nephew Ron. I miss our Christmas phone calls already !

Dave Klepperich

October 16, 2020

The text of the eulogy I gave for Nana is below. Posting so you can see it and so that it is located somewhere it will live in perpetuity.

Eulogy - Nana
Thank you –
As I was thinking about what to say up here today, I had so many things I could
share - so many memories - Good, bad, funny, sad, loving, angry, excited, annoyed,
proud, embarrassed – relieved.
But, being new to this gig (that is, giving eulogies for grandparents – thanks mom) -
I decided I’d go with this instead. So, please bear with me as I try to keep it
together.
I’d like to read to you what I posted in her obituary guestbook online:
“See you on the other side, Nana. I will always be your grandson. Love you and
miss you. And please, finally get some rest. Jesus doesn’t need to have his
underwear ironed.”
Seems a simple enough statement, right? Of course, since all of us here knew her,
you also know that there is a lot to unpack in those few statements.
Now, as I said those words a few moments ago (and by that, I mean the list of
adjectives I started with), you might have recalled a specific memory or two of
your own with Rose that those words would aptly describe —
Aaaas well as perhaps a few other words which might be considered
extraordinarily inappropriate in our present environment.
*COUGH* My apologies, Father’s.
Nana was truly one of a kind. I tried to make a list of what she was in my eyes, and
found myself continually adding to it after every story and memory-sharing
conversation I’d had with someone.
The list was becoming overwhelming, so I looked for common threads and
condensed it down a bit. Here is what I came up with (in no specific order):

She was:
• a spitfire
• outspoken
• elegant
• a child of the Great Depression (which actually covers A LOT of ground)
• a great cook and baker (and the sole source of all of my food-related
neuroses - I mean there really aren’t many, but they are DEEPLY rooted)
• a tireless worker
• insanely frugal yet incredibly generous
• the most honest card player who ever lived (and if don’t believe me, just ask
her)
• a dedicated wife
• a loving and occasionally demanding mom
• a doting grandmother and proud great-grandmother
• a dear friend
• and, of course, absolutely fearless in the face of social norms.
I could go on, but I won’t. I know I was HER GRANDSON and she loved me because
she always told me so. I know she loved all of you too – because she always told
me so. I will miss that.
As I recall tears are also a side-effect of joyfulness and laughter. And I know we’ll
keep sharing the Nana stories - and keep her alive in our hearts.
I have three last bits (here’s where I will probably lose it):
First - Thank you to Joe Naseff who kept tabs on my mom and dad, and whom,
along with friendship, added a fair amount of levity to their lives. Also, thank you
to my mom’s closest friends, Mary, Mary Anne, Ray, Diane - and I’m certain others
whose names I am unintentionally omitting - you gave her an escape and helped
keep her sane when she needed relief.
Second - Thank you to my dad who graciously agreed to bring Nana home so she
could live out her life in a familiar and loving environment, and who made many
personal sacrifices to support and ensure mom could do what she needed to do to care for Nana.
Lastly - Mom, I sincerely admire you for the burden you willingly undertook in the
name of dignity and respect - even if I still think you were a bit nuts. I know Katie
and I watched out for and worried about you - but you did what needed to be
done in your eyes - and in the end we know there are no regrets.
I love you, mom. I love you Dad. I love you KK. I love you Nana and Papa.
Thank you.

Erin B

October 15, 2020

I worked With Ms. Rose at West wood ridge, she was beyond a light in the lives of those who cared for her. She really knew how to make everyone feel special when you were with her. My condolences to the family as you remember Rose’s life. ❤❤

Roxane Klepperich

September 29, 2020

Love and miss you sweet Rosie.

Rick and Andria Bryan

September 29, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dave Klepperich

September 29, 2020

See you on the other side, Nana. I will always be your grandson. Love you and miss you. And please, finally get some rest. Jesus doesn’t need to have his underwear ironed.

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