An extraordinary life marked by youthful hardship, devoted parenting, deep Christian faith, hard work, and compassion for others ended on Saturday, May 9, 2026, when Rose Marie Mutschelknaus, holding the hands of loved ones, passed away at the age of 94. She died peacefully at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls following heart complications that began earlier this year. Until that time, Rose enjoyed remarkably good health and continued living independently at Dow Rummel Village, Sioux Falls, where she treasured family visits and close friendships.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church, 1700 South Cliff Avenue, Sioux Falls, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service, with burial afterward at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Rose was born on December 18, 1931, to George and Grace (Foltz) Messer in rural South Dakota, during the hardships of the Great Depression. Her early years were shaped by the struggles of tenant farming, when her parents worked tirelessly to provide for their family during America's most difficult economic era. In a time of dust storms, grasshoppers, crickets, and drought, she was six years old before her parents were able to raise any crops. At age 10, she began facing the rationing and restrictions of World War II, experiences that helped form the strength, determination, and resilience that characterized her entire life.

Despite those difficult beginnings, Rose brought joy, talent, and energy wherever she went. While attending Kimball High School, she was selected as Homecoming Queen during her senior year in 1948–1949. Well liked among her friends, she earned a reputation as a talented tap and jitterbug dancer during her school years. An accomplished trumpet player, she was admired for her ability to perform difficult triple-tonguing musical pieces such as "Carnival of Venice."

At age 18, Rose moved to Sioux Falls to attend Nettleton Commercial College, beginning a lifelong connection to the city she proudly called home for more than seven decades. Over the years, she worked for several Sioux Falls businesses, including Sears and various credit card companies, earning the respect of coworkers and friends through her work ethic, kindness, and careful attention to detail.

Rose was financially prudent, a thoughtful planner, an independent thinker, and someone her family could always depend upon for wise and practical guidance. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures, especially playing Mexican Train dominoes with family and friends, even as her health declined.

Seventy years ago, Rose became a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church, where her faith was nurtured and served as a guiding foundation throughout her life. She and her husband, LeRoy Mutschelknaus, especially cared deeply about helping to feed all those in need within the Sioux Falls community.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Messer; her beloved husband, LeRoy Mutschelknaus, a well-known and respected Sioux Falls barber; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Mutschelknaus of Richmond, Minnesota.

More than anything, Rose cherished her family. She is survived by her four sons: David Mutschelknaus of Richmond, Minnesota, and his partner Mary; Brad Mutschelknaus and his wife Kristi of Centreville, Virginia; John Mutschelknaus and his wife Joan of Hartland, Wisconsin; and Scott Mutschelknaus and his wife Sheila of Olathe, Kansas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Joseph Mutschelknaus, his wife Kerry, and great-grandchildren Connor, Quinn, and Emerson of Ashburn, Virginia; Anne Pettit, her husband Tom, and great-grandchildren Lillian, Julia, and Asher of Oakton, Virginia; Samuel Mutschelknaus of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; and Lora Ramos, her husband Mark, and great-grandchildren Talia and Serena of Olathe, Kansas.

Rose is further survived by her brother, Donald Messer, and sister-in-law Bonnie of Centennial, Colorado, her niece Christine Gallagher of Grand Junction, Colorado, and nephew Kent Messer of Wilmington, Delaware, along with their spouses and families.

She also treasured many nieces and nephews—and their families—from her husband's side of the family.  Nieces Janine Harris and Robin Munro, both of Sioux Falls, were vital caregivers to Rose, especially during the final months of her long life.

Rose Marie Mutschelknaus will be remembered for her perseverance through hardship, her devotion to family and faith, her vibrant spirit, and the grace, strength, and generosity with which she lived her long and meaningful life.

Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church, a local food bank or The Banquet of Sioux Falls, reflecting Rose and LeRoy's lifelong concern for helping those in need.