Florence Roeszler

Florence Roeszler passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023, at St. Catherine’s Living Center in Wahpeton, North Dakota.

Florence (Nies) Roeszler, the daughter of Edward and Martha (Dobler) Nies, was born May 23, 1924, on a farm just east of Ashley, North Dakota.  She lived most of her life in Ashley, although her family spent 1942 and part of 1943 in California to help with the war effort. She graduated from Ashley High School in 1943, then traveled back to California briefly before returning to Ashley in 1944.

Florence married Leonard Roeszler, also from Ashley, in July of 1945.  Their daughter Linda was born in 1946.  Leonard and Florence owned several businesses in Ashley, including the Standard Oil service station which they operated for five years, Ashley Dry Cleaners which they operated for 10 years, and Roeszler Lumber which they operated for 21 years.  Florence and Leonard worked long hours to make their businesses successful, and Florence’s primary responsibilities included bookkeeping and sales.  Leonard was elected mayor of Ashley in 1974.  Florence and Leonard were active members of Zion Lutheran Church in Ashley.

Florence and Leonard enjoyed travel in their spare time, including to Europe and parts of Asia.  They spent winters in Phoenix after selling Roeszler Lumber in 1981.  In 1999 they moved to Litchfield, Minnesota, to be closer to their daughter Linda and Linda’s family.  Leonard passed away June 24, 1999.

Florence was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Litchfield, Litchfield Women’s Club, Bridge Club, Senior Dining and Pinochle Club.  Florence and Linda planned cross-country road trips to visit family, and they both enjoyed social and travel activities with the Good Neighbor Club.  Florence enjoyed baking cookies, cakes, breads, and especially her delicious scones, which she shared with friends and family alike.

Florence is survived by her granddaughter, Greta (Michael) and great-grandchildren Malachy and Myles. She is preceded in death by her husband Leonard, brother Norman, sister Ruby, and daughter Linda.

A funeral service for Florence will be held at 3:30 PM on Friday, July 14, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, 703 South Sibley Avenue, Litchfield MN 55355.  Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church of Litchfield or to Ashley Zion Lutheran Church, 112 First Street SE, Ashley ND 58413.