Rozella M. Swalve, daughter of Sieger and Velma (Jacobs) Planting, was born on November 20, 1937 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She passed away on February 3, 2025 at Aspire Nursing Home in Estherville, Iowa at the age of 87 years. A funeral service for Rozella was held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Estherville Lutheran Church with Pastor Todd Hartsock and Pastor Tim Johnson officiating. Burial took place at East Side Cemetery in Estherville.
Rozella attended Halfa, Maple Hill, and Gruver school, graduating in 1955. Following graduation, she worked at Iowa Trust and Savings Bank. On June 9, 1957, she was united in marriage to Andrew Swalve. The couple made their home in the Thompson, Iowa area and farmed there. They continued farming when they moved to Rake in 1965. In 1977, the family moved to the Estherville Area, and they retired from farming in 1995. Throughout the years Rosie helped on the farm, had a large garden, and raised the family. When her children were grown, she started working part time at Coast to Coast from 1990 until 1992. Rosie worked as a teller at Boatman’s Bank from 1993 until 1997. She then worked at Fareway from 1999 until 2006.
Rozella had a strong faith, being a past member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Kiester, Immanuel Lutheran Church South of Gruver, and the First Presbyterian Church of Estherville. She was a current member of Cornerstone Global Methodist Church in Estherville. She was active in the churches as a Sunday School Teacher, Ladies’ Aide Officer, on the Board of Education, and served as a deacon. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
Rosie could be found at most of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s activities. She always had home baked chocolate chip cookies on hand and enjoyed making raspberry jelly. Playing rummy and putting puzzles together filled her down time. She had a vast collection of spoons.
Rozella is survived by her husband of 67 years, Andrew of Estherville; her children: Jeff (Lurene) Swalve of Estherville, Tim (Pat) Swalve of Estherville, Larry (Kay) Swalve of Cylinder, and Deb (Mike) Karels of Estherville; her grandchildren: Jessica (Jarred) Pohlman, Emily (Chad) Hansen, Austin Swalve (Fiancée Jessica), Corin (Nate) Jensen, Stephanie (Joe) Johnson, Bryon (Amber) Swalve, Megan (Aaron) Madson, Taylor Karels (Significant Other Mike Coppage), Rachel Meyer, Travis Meyer, Jerri (Kirby) Soukup, Colyn (Anna) Johnson, and Jayden Johnson (Significant Other Tyson Kruse); and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Ronnie Jacobsen and sister-in-law Rose Planting.
She is preceded in death by her parents; great-granddaughter Gracie Hansen; siblings Russell (Jean) Planting, Rojean Jacobsen, and Robert Planting; and Andrew’s siblings: Richard (Ethel) Swalve, Roy (Mata) Swalve, Frances (Fred) Beitz, Johnny (Nettie) Isebrand, Annie (Harry) Schroeder, Sena (Forrest) McGreggor, Everet (Jennie) Swalve, Tillie (Andy) Graff, Otto (Norma) Swalve, Doc (Betty) Swalve, Elsie (Harold) Selberg, Anita (Vern) Barlow, Ada (Dick) Williams, and Leona (Chuck) Kleine.
Henry Olson Funeral Home of Estherville assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
