Koral Sue Rosendahl, well known for her joyful personality, radiant beauty, and the gifts of language, care and support she provided to so many new Americans in the Estherville community, died on December 20, 2023 from complications of a short, intense illness at the age of 74 years.
A visitation was held on December 27, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville. A funeral service for Koral will be held on Dec. 28, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Henry-Olson Funeral Home, in Estherville. If you are graciously offering a memorial to honor Koral, in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be directed to: ELC School Foundation, or a memorial of your choice.
Koral was born on March 14, 1949 in Albert Lea, Minnesota as the first child of her parents Eugene and Constance (Olsen) Bruesewitz. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, Iowa. Koral spent her early childhood years in a small home in Grafton, lovingly referred to as “the pink house,” before moving with her family to a farm just outside of town. Like most Iowa farm children, she made important contributions to the family’s farm operation over the years. Koral treasured the many unique experiences of growing up in the country. She especially loved spending time with her grandparents, Alfred and Nora Bruesewitz and Gilman and Edna Olsen.
Koral attended school in Grafton and St. Ansgar, Iowa graduating from St. Ansgar High School in 1967. As a mere fifth grader with a budding talent for the clarinet, she marched with the High School Band in the well-known North Iowa Band Festival in Mason City, Iowa. As a high school senior, Koral was chosen to serve on the Royal Court for the Festival.
Koral attended Waldorf College for two years and completed her undergraduate education at Mankato State University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology. During this time, she was a member of the Sons/Daughters of Norway and was awarded a scholarship - presented by Hubert Humphrey - providing a summer semester of study in Oslo, Norway. She later obtained a master’s degree which further prepared her for her productive career teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). She began her teaching career in Pipestone, Minnesota and soon after moved to Estherville, Iowa, where she supported and grew the ESL program throughout the Estherville school system. In her community, she worked with students and families from many countries, including Vietnam, Mexico, and Laos. Koral retired after a full career of teaching, leaving a wonderful legacy of students richly enhanced and empowered by her teaching, care and support.
Koral was an avid reader and lifelong learner. She was invested in learning and honoring her ancestry, carrying with her abounding knowledge of her genealogy. She loved to share beloved books with family and friends and engage in lively discussion. Favorite topics included education, politics, history, and the arts.
Koral loved Grafton and frequently returned to the area to visit her family and many friends. She regularly enjoyed attending local activities, including the annual Surf Ballroom Winter Dance Festival celebrating Buddy Holly in nearby Clear Lake. She maintained contact and membership with Emmanuel Lutheran Church throughout her life.
Koral was a devoted older sister-and so much more - to her brother Keven (Sandy) Bruesewitz of Grafton, Iowa and sister Jurene (Jeff) Wegner of Omaha, Nebraska. She was a favorite aunt to her nieces and nephews. They felt her warmth, humor, and care; they knew she listened and understood them. They of course thoroughly enjoyed Koral’s lighthearted manner of challenging their parents’ sometimes questionable words or actions - often by a comical raise of her eyebrows or brief retort. Her nieces and nephews are: Raechel (Luke) Fossey, Holly (Jake) Kopriva, Michael (Claire Zeorlin) Wegner, Lauren Wegner, Jennifer Banta, Dr. Tracey Rhodes, John (Lindsey) Rosendahl, Christina (Chris) Furman, Jane (Dennis) Smith, Laura (J.D.) Bedore, Sarah (John) Hageman, Anita (Joe) Frick, Carrie Juhl, Amy Juhl. Koral is also survived by a cherished cousin, Laurel (Pete) Lagoni of Fort Collins, Colorado and a brother-in-law Fritz (Nancy) Rosendahl of Taos, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Mary Anita Juhl.
Koral married James (Jim) Rosendahl of Estherville, Iowa on August 21, 1976. Over 47 wonderful years together in Estherville and Okoboji, they entertained each other, their families, and their many friends at the Rosendahl home on Lake Okoboji and, in later years, at their winter home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Koral was a wonderful and generous host to all. She greatly enjoyed Lake Okoboji and the lakes community and was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Lakes Art Center. Koral also enjoyed membership in P.E.O., and Questers organizations. While not a boastful person-and impeccably honest-she maintained that she was often one of the first locals to dip in the lake in the springtime and one of the last out in the fall.
Koral’s pride and joy, son Edward James (Jim) Rosendahl, resides and practices law in Estherville, Iowa. Young Jim and his wife Laura’s 3 ½ year old son, Henry, has understandably been an absolute joy and blessing. Koral was thrilled to know that Henry would bring Jim and Laura the same pride and joy that she experienced as a mother.
We recognize, honor, and celebrate Koral for these and countless other accomplishments, gifts, and remembrances. More importantly, we carry with us Koral’s loving, caring, and cheerful spirit.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
