Eldridge "Squirt" Rosell

Eldridge "Squirt" Lovern Rosell passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026 at the age of 95, with family by his side. He was born on January 20, 1931, at home in Spruce Hill Township to Louis and Annie Rosell. As the youngest of seven children, he was teased that he was just a "little squirt," and the nickname stayed with him for the rest of his life.

He was raised on the family farm near Rose City and was confirmed at Rose City Free Church in 1944. He was an active, lifelong member of the church where he faithfully taught Sunday school and served on the church board for many years.

Squirt graduated from Alexandria High School in 1949 and soon after met the love of his life, Arlene Fearing, at the Long Prairie Roller Rink. They were married on June 1, 1951, shortly before he deployed to Korea with the U.S. Army. While overseas, their oldest daughter was born. He finally learned of her birth through a telegram and a letter from Arlene when she was six weeks old, and didn't get to meet his daughter until she was six months old. Squirt was proud of his military service and deeply loved our country and the freedoms he helped defend.

After returning home, Squirt and Arlene briefly lived in Minneapolis before purchasing the Rosell family farm near Rose City, where they worked side by side while raising their family. In 1978 they moved to Miltona, and later, in 2014, to Alexandria. Wherever they lived, Squirt was active in his community, serving on both the Spruce Hill Township Board and the Miltona City Council.

Following his years of farming, Squirt worked as a carpenter before beginning a 16-year career as a field adjuster with North Star Insurance. Even after retiring, he continued adjusting claims part time for another 13 years. More than anything, he enjoyed meeting people, helping settle claims, and making friends along the way. In fact, he considered every person he met a “good friend.”

Squirt had many hobbies throughout his life. After the farm chores were finished, he could often be found playing baseball in the yard with family and neighborhood boys—though a few barn windows occasionally paid the price. He enjoyed riding and racing snowmobiles, playing cards (especially when he could "shoot the moon" in a good game of Hearts), watching the MN Vikings, hunting, and fishing from his red Lund boat. His catches often became fish fries shared with family and friends. Squirt also had a passion for woodworking. He became a skilled craftsman, creating many beautiful pieces, including his signature boat-shaped coffee tables and cedar chests lovingly made for each of his daughters and granddaughters.

Squirt and Arlene especially enjoyed going out for coffee and a good meal, something they did almost daily later in life. He also had quite a sweet tooth and especially loved Arlene's homemade pies and baked treats.

Squirt was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather, and above all else, a man of strong faith. He shared his beliefs with others, often reassuring those around him that, "God is in control," and “God answers prayers.” He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, honesty, respect for others, and living a life centered on Christ. His kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in people made everyone he met feel valued and cared for. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Squirt is survived by his five children, Lin (John) Gilbertson of Alexandria, Deb Stadum of Ottertail, Michael (Debbie) Rosell of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Vicki (Eric) Gesell of Miltona, and Rick Rosell of Ocala, Florida; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Jerry Wagner; sisters-in-law Elrene Rosell and Ruthie (Pat) Skelley; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Squirt was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Annie Rosell; his beloved wife, Arlene; siblings Mabel Oberg, Alden Rosell, Tilford Rosell, Viola Hultstrand, DeWayne Rosell and Eldora Rosell; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as other beloved family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Rose City Evangelical Free Church in Rose City, MN with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. Full military honors will follow by the Parkers Prairie Legion Post #219 and the Minnesota National Guard Funeral Honors. Memorials are preferred to Rose City Church.