Rosemary Vesel

ROSEMARY (BISHOFF) VESEL passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 surrounded by family, friends and loving caregivers at Carefree Living in Ely. 

Born on December 23, 1932, Rosemary met the absolute love of her life, Johnny Vesel and married in 1953.  Rosemary is a graduate of Ely Memorial High School.  While Johnny was serving in the US Army, she graduated from the College of St. Catherine Department of Nursing in Minneapolis in 1953.  Together they raised six children just outside of Ely on a family farm full of hard work and fun…truly never a dull moment.  John and Rose had such a heart for people.  Their home was always open to others and was often full of friends, family and the neighborhood kids along with a farm of animals. Rosemary was a registered nurse at the Winton Hospital for many years and later worked as an RN at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Her life was committed to helping others – not only a large family but those she cared for in her work as an RN on and off the job. She had a full life and always had tremendous faith in the Lord and was an example of how to live gracefully for her family and friends. She often spoke of how Jesus was always by her side in good times and bad. 

Rosemary is survived by children Deb Atwood of Mankato, MN, Dave Vesel of Ely, MN, Terry (Lisa) Vesel of Side Lake, MN, Geraldine (Brian) Saari of Duluth, MN, daughters-in law Sandy Vesel of Eau Claire, WI and Sherry Vesel of Hoquiam, WA.  She had many cherished grandchildren in her life - Jason (April) Roy of Ely, MN, Jen (Brandon) Schmidt of Mankato, MN , Chris Vesel, Josh Vesel, both of Ely, MN, Amber (Clynt) Kistler of Prescott, WI, Jacquelyn (LaSalle) DeeCarlo-Omoruyi of Lakeville, MN, Mitch (Meghan) Vesel of St. Paul, MN, Jacob Saari, Kendall Saari, both of Duluth, MN and many step-grandchildren.  She will be missed by her great grandchildren Jade & Dominic Schmidt, Andre’ Roy, Liam & Wyatt Kistler, Luella, LJ & LaRae DeeCarlo-Omoruyi and several step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. 

Rosemary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years John Vesel, baby girl Maria Frances, sons Mickey Vesel and John Vesel; son-in-law Tom Atwood and daughter-in-law Diane Vesel; her parents, David and Elma Bishoff, sister Geraldine Bishoff, brothers Leroy and Owen Bishoff, several brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins and many very dear friends.   

Visitation will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ely on Saturday, June 28th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. with a commitment service to follow at the Birch Lake Cemetery.  The family invites those that knew Rose to the Grand Ely Lodge that day from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. as a time for sharing memories and to honor a life well lived.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Schwinghamer and all of those at Carefree Living that loved and cared for Mom for so many years.  Words cannot express our love and appreciation to you for all the care, joy, life and love you gave to our dear Mom, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.  A huge hug goes out to her “hospice crew” as well – thank you!  She will truly be missed but has graduated to glory at a time in her life where she was ready and felt so blessed to have had the full life God had given her here.  

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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