Rosalie Ketcham

Celebration of Life for Rosalie ‘Rose’ (Christensen) Ketcham- January 29, 1938 – February 27, 2025.

Rosalie Ketcham, 87, a strong-willed and determined woman, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Henning, Minnesota. She was formally a long-time resident of Girard Township, Minnesota.

Born on January 29, 1938, in Frazee, Minnesota, Rose was the fourth of nine children to Herb and Alta Christensen. In 1941, the family moved to a farm in Girard Township, where Rose attended country school at District 131 and later graduated from Battle Lake High School. She pursued her passion for education by receiving teacher or “normal” training Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and spent several years teaching at country schools. Her straightforward and determined nature made her a memorable educator who left a lasting impression on her students.

On June 17, 1967, Rose married Roy Ketcham at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. Following their marriage, they moved to Dayton, Washington, where they lived for five years before returning to Battle Lake to establish their farm. Together, they enjoyed raising Arabian horses, Quarter horses, and cattle, and they dedicated their lives to farming. Rose also took pride in her gardening, as well as caring for her beloved dogs and cats.

Rose is survived by her brothers: Herb Jr. of Battle Lake, Minnesota and Gary (Hap) Christensen of San Antonia, Texas. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Nancy Christensen of Frazee, Minnesota, Jackie Christensen of Battle Lake, Minnesota, and Maureen Christensen of Elk River, Minnesota, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Roy; her parents: Herb and Alta Christensen; and her siblings: Arvin (Chubb), Bill, Ann, Jack, Robert, and Cliff. Additionally, she is preceded in death by her brother-in-law Donald Luhning; sisters-in-law: grace, Fern, Betty, and Josephine; and her nephew Jeff Christensen.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor on Friday March 28, 2025 at 11:00am at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, Minnesota with a visitation at 10:00am. Followed by internment at Girard Union Cemetery in Henning, Minnesota. Arrangements are being handled by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake, Minnesota.