Rosalie J. Groshens

Rosalie Jean Groshens, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Rosalie was born on November 6, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was raised on the city’s West Side and later on Pennsylvania Avenue. A proud graduate of Mechanic Arts High School, she continued her education at Girls Vocational School, where she trained to become a secretary. She began her career with the State of Minnesota in the secretarial pool.

Rosalie met the love of her life, Larry Groshens, through her mother, Rose, who worked with Larry. They married on June 29, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Paul and settled in Little Canada, where they started their family. Rosalie embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, staying home to care for their first three sons. In 1969, they moved to Forest Lake, where they welcomed three more children and found joy in gardening, hunting, and spending time outdoors.

Rosalie later worked for Sell Publishing, where she wore many hats over the years. Her welcoming smile and kind spirit touched everyone she met. She began writing the “Columbus Insight” column for the local paper, which connected her more deeply with her community. Her passion for civic engagement led her to run for Columbus Town Clerk—a position she proudly held. After her time in public service, she returned to Sell Publishing, retiring in April 2000.

In retirement, Rosalie and Larry enjoyed life on Goose Lake, cherishing every moment with their grandchildren. In 2008, they opened their hearts and home to a South Korean exchange student, Jinsol Park, who became like family.

Rosalie’s warmth, humor, and genuine kindness made her a joy to all who knew her. She spread happiness one smile at a time and leaves behind a legacy of love, community, and compassion.

She will be deeply missed by her children: Charles (Jean) Groshens, Shawn (Wendy) Groshens, Lawrence “Peanut” Groshens, Rosie Ulrich (Stephen), Joseph (Heather) Groshens, and James Groshens; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; beloved exchange student Jinsol Park; sister, Mary Jo Pickering (Jim); and brother, Maynard Pastorius.

She was welcomed into eternal life by her husband of 66 years, Larry Groshens; her parents, Elmer Pastorius, and Rose and Charles Ryckman; brothers-in-law, Louis Groshens and Thomas Mills; sisters-in-law, Delores Pastorius and Dottie Mills; niece, Debbie Patrin; and nephews, Mark and Roque Pastorius.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Columbus, Minnesota.