Obituary of Russell Clarence Rosenau

Russell Clarence Rosenau, 82 of Twin Falls passed away on Friday April 10, 2015 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center. Russell was born on November 22, 1932 in Arena, North Dakota to Theodore and Caroline (Wolfe) Rosenau. He attended school in the Arena-Tuttle area graduating from Bismarck High School in 1950. In 1952 he married Rose Marie Thor on October 25, leaving for the Army basic training camp only a few days later. Once released from the Army they moved to Bismarck, North Dakota where Russell entered the Bismarck Junior College and Rosie worked at the State Capitol. After earning his AA degree Russell began a career with the United States Department of Agriculture as a soil scientist. He worked in Morris, Minnesota and eventually moved his family to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1968. Russell worked at the Research Center in Kimberly, Idaho until his retirement in 1987. He did not slow down once retired, working various business opportunities. Russell and Rosie spent 10 years as snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona enjoying all the activities offered and often staying up until midnight playing cards. They reconnected with old classmates from North Dakota in Arizona each year and never tired of traveling. Russell was a life-long member of the Church of the Nazarene and had served in many positions. He was an active member of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) even serving as their president. He met and made wonderful friendships through this group. Russell had also been a member of the Lions Club. Russell is survived by his wife of 62 years Rosie; two sons Kevin (Kim) Rosenau and Kurt (Tonette) Rosenau; one daughter Kim (Jay) Akkerman; 7 grandchildren Keleigh (Dustin) Godfrey, Kirk (Kira) Rosenau, Kameron (Kristen) Rosenau, Amber (Nathan) O”Neal, Lauren Akkerman, Hailey Akkerman and Parker Akkerman; 6 great grandchildren Joshua, Jaxson, Damon, Tucker, Andi and Teagan. Russell is also survived by two brothers Norman (Kay) Rosenau, Merle (Brenda) Rosenau and one sister Judy (Steve) Booth. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister Jorgena Crites. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday April 13, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave E. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday April 14, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Twin Falls First Church of the Nazarene, 1231 Washington St. N, Twin Falls. Memorial contributions may be made in Russell’s honor to the Twin Falls Church of the Nazarene Building Fund or charity of choice. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.