Rosella M. Sorenson, age 88, of Howard, died Saturday, September 10, 2005, at a local hospital surrounded by her family. She was born November 30, 1916, in the town of Pittsfield, to Andrew and Estelle (Vanderperren) Van Erem.

On November 26, 1936, she married Milton Sorenson at St. Sebatian Catholic Church in Isaar. They were married for 45 years. Mr. and Mrs. Sorenson farmed in Howard since 1945. Mrs. Sorenson was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Parish.

Rosella had a great love of gardening, enjoyed ceramics and was a wonderful cook.

Rosella is survived by her three children and their spouses, Jerry and Pat Sorenson, Howard, Karen and Tom Meetz, Ashwaubenon, and Keith and Linda Sorenson, Hiawatha, Iowa; 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Scott (Sheri) Sorenson, Stuart (Kim) Sorenson, Shane Sorenson, Steven (Sheri) Sorenson, Brian (Dottie) Meetz, Brad (Jenny) Meetz, Chrystal (Rich) Zank, Tressa (Brian) Wilson, Keith Sorenson II and Brent Sorenson; 24 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Van Erem.

Rosella was preceded in death by her husband, Milton, in 1982; a granddaughter, Leah Wara; a great-grandchild, Dakota Dale Sorenson; four brothers, Austin "Butch"? Van Erem, Alphonse Van Erem, Louis Van Erem and Jacob Van Erem; three sisters, Lucille Shumaker, Elizabeth Tonnon and Isabelle Eageson.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Friends may also call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church with the Rev. John Bergstadt officiating. Entombment will be in Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.