Roseanne McPherson

Roseanne (Rosie) was born March 23, 1921 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to Rose Marie Oberaigner and Frank Martin Branch. She passed away from this life on September 12, 2009 at Aberdeen Village, Olathe, Kansas. at the age of 88.

She was the oldest of three children, each preceding her in death. Rosie started her education in Sue Saint Marie, Michigan where her family moved early in her life. There were difficult times for Rosie and her younger brother Frank following the death of her infant brother, Edward, and the divorce of her parents as her mother struggled to provide for her children. After living in foster care for a couple of years, Rosie moved with her brother and mother to Minnesota. Rosie completed the first and second grades in Red Wing.

Following the marriage of Rosie's mother to Alfred Bluhm in January 1929, she was reunited with her brother and mother where they lived on a farm in Haverhill Township, Minnesota. Rosie completed third grade in Haverhill prior to moving to a farm in Potsdam, Minnesota. Rosie completed her eighth grade education in Potsdam and was confirmed in the Lutheran church in May 1936. Rosie worked on her family's farm and for neighbors following graduation. The family moved to a farm outside of Rochester, Minnesota in 1937. Rosie worked for her family and for neighbors until 1940 when she completed training in cosmetology. She worked as a hair dresser as well as a maid for physicians in practice at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

In October 1943 Rosie met Clifford McPherson on a blind date. Clifford (Mac) was stationed at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. Mac followed orders to western Europe the same month. Rosie and Mac corresponded during his years in active duty. Following Mac's discharge from the army in November 1945 he spoke frequently with Rosie and visited her the following month when they became engaged. Rosie and Mac were married in March 9, 1946 in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minnesota. They made their first home in Red Cloud, Nebraska where Mac was employed by a local utility. A son, Dennis Francis, was born June, 1947. Following their transfer to Nelson, Nebraska, a daughter Gayle Roseanne, was born in June 1948. In the fall of 1949, the family was transferred to Franklin, Nebraska where Mac continued his employment with the utility.

They became life-long members of Grace Lutheran Church where Mac served as an officer and elder. Rosie was a member of the Sarah Circle and assisted with the many social functions of the church. Rosie and Mac were active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A son, Michael Alan, was born in 1951. Rosie was a busy housewife carrying for the children. She enjoyed cooking, baking delicious breads and cakes, and sewing all the kids clothing.

In 1965 Rosie rejoined the workforce outside of the home when she was asked to clerk at a local dry goods store, Tilfords. Rosie later worked as a cashier at Rightway Grocery where she enjoyed meeting and interacting with customers from Franklin and the surrounding communities. Following her retirement in July 1989, she and Mac enjoyed traveling to see their children and grandchildren. Rosie was guardian of her parents who relocated to Franklin in the 60's. Rosie cherished the time she spent with her parents, neighbors and friends, her church circle and her fellow parishioners of Grace Lutheran. She spent more time with Mac gardening and sharing the bounty of their labor. Mac passed away in 1998 and Rosie relocated her residence in Franklin, remaining active in her church. She later relocated to the Kansas City area to live near her son, Michael until the time of her death. Despite her suffering dementia in her later years, she retained her delightful sense of humor, keeping her nursing care staff giggling from her comic phrases and her bright outlook on life.

Roseanne is preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Alfred Bluhm, her brothers Edward and Frank, her husband Clifford, daughter Gayle Corrington, grandson Stephen Corrington, son-in-law John Corrington and daughter-in-law Elaine McPherson.

Rosie will be missed by her son Dennis, Shingletown, CA, grandsons Aaron and Evan, Taylorsville, CA, son Michael and wife Rogene (Steinkruger) McPherson, Kansas City, MO, grandson Jonathan McPherson, Centerville, KS, grandson Brendan and wife Jean, Kansas City, MO as well as three great grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 10, 20089 at Grace Lutheran Church with Vicar Chad Boggs and Rev. Ron Kuehner. Friends may sign the register book from 8AM to 12PM Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, at the funeral home. There will be no visitation. The body was cremated.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to:
Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc.
Po Box 531313
Henderson, NV 89053