Rosemarie Sontag

Rosemarie Sontag, age 105, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at Norris Square Presbyterian Homes in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

Rosemarie was born on October 16, 1920, in Rosemount, Minnesota, the daughter of Ferdinand and Marie (Ruhr). She grew up in Rosemount and graduated from Rosemount High School in 1938 as salutatorian. She attended the College of St. Theresa in Winona for one year before transferring to the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. It was at the University of Minnesota that she met the love of her life, Benjamin Sontag.

Rosemarie and Benjamin became engaged in 1942 and were married on May 22, 1943, in Rosemount. They shared a devoted marriage that lasted 74 years, building a life grounded in love, faith, and family.

During World War II, Rosemarie worked at the Gopher Ordinance Plant in Rosemount, helping produce smokeless powder for the war effort. She later worked as a secretary at Harvard University’s Business School while Benjamin pursued graduate studies. However, Rosemarie’s greatest joy and passion was raising their five children, beginning in 1947—a role she embraced with unwavering love, patience, and dedication.

Following the war, the young family purchased a small bungalow in south Minneapolis, where appliances were acquired slowly—three months to buy a stove and a year to afford a washing machine—simple beginnings that reflected their perseverance and gratitude. In 1949, the family moved to Hastings when Benjamin opened the Hastings Lumber Mart, a community they would call home for many years.

Rosemarie lived a rich and active life. She loved traveling and visited almost every country in Europe—many of them multiple times—as well as the Caribbean. She was deeply involved in her church and civic life, participating in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and helping found Hastings Family Service as well as volunteered with Meals on Wheels. An avid reader and crossword puzzler, she also enjoyed crocheting and knitting.

She cherished weekends spent at the family cabin in Amery, Wisconsin, and winters in the Florida Keys. Rosemarie will be remembered as a loving nurturer and caretaker, known for her warmth, feisty spirit, sharp wit, and wonderful sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benjamin; her parents, Ferdinand and Marie Ruhr; two daughters, Carol Anne Lindahl and Lynn Marie (Chuck) Palenik; son-in-law Dave Jambois; and infant brother, Ferdinand Ruhr; brother, Joseph (Bette) Ruhr; and sister, Marcella (Lew) Linde.

Rosemarie is survived by her children, Gail Jambois, Jim (Teri Witzany), and Tom (Janet); grandchildren, Sarah (Freddie) Harris, Steve (Mercedes) Palenik, Lisa (Sean) Dean, Jody (Nick) Pederson, Laura (Charlie) Hammel, Jason (Shelley) Sontag, Michelle (Wade) Brelje, Jeff Sontag, Alli (Nolan) Hartwick, and Kaitlin (Henry Cilek) Sontag; 13 great-grandchildren; son-in-law Dan Lindahl; and many other relatives and dear friends.

Rosemarie’s long life was a testament to love, resilience, service, and family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue through generations.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00AM at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with a visitation one hour prior to Mass. Reception to follow. Interment will be in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.