Cloquet Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Nurse Rosa Manderfeld

Cloquet, Minnesota, is mourning the loss of a cherished community member, Rosa Lee Manderfeld, who passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on February 2, 1942, to George and Senja Ahlgren, Rosa, affectionately known as Rosie, was the middle child in a family of seven and shared a special bond with her twin brother, Ronnie.

Rosie’s upbringing on a small farm in Cloquet shaped her resilient character. She graduated from Cloquet High School in 1960 and pursued a career in healthcare, completing her nursing education and serving as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for an impressive 42 years at Cloquet Memorial Hospital. Her dedication to patient care earned her the respect and admiration of many in the community.

Throughout her life, Rosie maintained an active lifestyle and was an avid walker. In 1992, she achieved a personal milestone by completing the prestigious Grandma’s Marathon, showcasing her commitment to health and fitness.

In 1963, Rosie married Jerome “Jerry” Manderfeld, and together they raised two children, Elizabeth and David. Their marriage lasted for 46 years until Jerry’s passing in 2009. Rosie often spoke fondly of their life together, which was filled with love and family.

Rosie is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Jerry. She is also mourned by her siblings, including brothers George, Arnold, Ronald, Gordon, and Bruce Ahlgren, as well as her sister Arlene Anderson.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter Elizabeth (Haidar) Fakhoury, son David (Dawn) Manderfeld, grandchildren Jeries (Shannon) Fakhoury, Joseph Fakhoury, Logan Manderfeld (Rita Kuzko), Kiera Manderfeld, and great-grandson Micah. Additionally, Rosie is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Rosie’s life is planned for a later date, offering friends and family the opportunity to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, sympathies may be directed to the Ahlgren Education Fund at www.cloquetedfoundation.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/more.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, which is facilitating the final rites for this beloved member of the Cloquet community.