Rosalyn Rhea Milbrandt

Born on October 11, 1951, in Marshalltown, Iowa, Roz grew up on a farm and never lost the ethos of hard work. She lived a life of determination, resilience, and dedication. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State College, she began her career as a teacher and award-winning debate coach. Mid-career she transitioned to the corporate world where she honed her business acumen working in leadership positions in the Twin Cities. Roz served her community for many years as a member of both the Parks and Trails Commission and the City Council in Corcoran, Minnesota.

Family was the cornerstone of Roz's life. She is survived by daughter Shannon (Steve) Heim, son Patrick (Elizabeth) Brinton, sister Paula (Don) Keeler, brother Joe (Debbie) Pickard and grandchildren Alexander, Kathryn, Victoria, Michael, Gillian, Evelyn, and Eleanor. Roz was preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael, parents Max and Betty Jane, and brothers Robert (Kathy) and James. Her abiding love for her family was evident in the countless holiday weekends spent in raucous rounds of games and laughter.

In her leisure time and eventually retirement, Roz enjoyed designing and planting her ten-acre property full of separate gardens and experiences. She was widely considered a master gardener and enjoyed sharing the magic of her property with others, particularly her grandchildren. She taught her children, grandchildren, and generations of students who worked the land with her to appreciate getting your hands dirty the quiet joy of gardening. All share memories of discussing long chore lists, exacting directions and meaningful chats in the garage before and after the day's work was done.

A private celebration of Rosalyn's life will be held later in January. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to celebrate her remarkable journey can make donations in her memory to Feed My Starving Children.

Rosalyn will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and grace will live on in the hearts of those she touched.