Edna K. Rosenberger's Obituary
Edna Kathryn (Johnson) Sem Rosenberger, 107, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Jan 11,
2024 at Park Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Edna was born in Hansboro, North Dakota on June 14, 1916. She was the daughter of the late
prominent cattle and grain farmer John William Franklin (JWF) and Della Hattie (Stevenson)
Johnson. Edna was the eighth child born out of ten. She is predeceased by her siblings Nina
Mary Omlie, Walter Franklin Johnson, Arthur Stevenson Johnson, Ralph Johnson, Ruby Aileen
MacDonald, Glenn Hampton Johnson, Leota Alice Parslow, Dora Martha Johnson, and Charles
Henry Johnson. After the death of Edna’s mother Della in 1928, JWF went on to marry
Anastasia "Annie" DeLorme in 1937 and moved to Cando, ND. This was each of their second
marriages. Annie brought two children to the marriage, Richard and Robert DeLorme.
Together, they had four more children; Joseph William Franklin Johnson, Chloie Ann Santo,
Gloria Jean, and Sally Butler.
Needless to say, the Johnson family home was always busy, bustling with children. Edna
spent many of her formative years caring for her younger siblings, and learning to cook, sew, and
bake all kinds of breads including the most delicious Norwegian lefse.
In December 1935, Edna married Harold Sem. Together they had three children. Their first son,
Harold Sem, married Isabel (Pierce) in Frisco, TX and together they had two sons: Michael of
Longmont, Colorado and Stephen of New Boston, TX. Later they welcomed two grandchildren.
Harold passed away in 1992.
Their second son, Charles Sem, married Patricia (Gallagher) and together they had two
children: David of Jericho, VT, along with his wife Leslie and their two children, and
Joanne (Sem) Berry of Litchfield, NH, along with her husband Brian Berry and their four
children. Charles and Patricia have since retired at their home in Hampstead, NH.
Edna and Harold's daughter, Doria Sem, was born in 1949. Edna was strong-willed and
resilient, evident in her devotion through her late 90s in caring for their daughter Doria. Today,
Doria lives with her wonderful long-time caregiver Jean Barwig in Tucson, AZ.
After 23 years of marriage, Harold Sem died in December 1962 in International Falls, MN.
Edna was an avid player of board and card games. She enjoyed her days visiting relatives and
traveling. She and Doria relocated to Tucson, AZ to be closer to Edna’s sister Leota Parslow, and
her husband Earl.
In May 1970, Edna married Floyd Rosenberger with whom she enjoyed many happy years
traveling all over the country. Floyd taught Edna how to drive a car, how to play golf and treated
Doria as his own. Edna was never successful in beating Floyd in a game of Pinochle, but that
didn't stop them in having a wonderful life together. Floyd passed away in 1991.
Edna K. Rosenberger was a strong woman, often exceeding the limits of what one might expect
someone to be able to do beyond 100 years old. She lived independently at Far Horizons Mobile
Home Park until she was 103 years old. For the next 4 years, she was a resident of Park Avenue
Health and Rehab Center in Tucson, AZ. Edna’s family will always be grateful for the amazing
care she received at Park Avenue, as well as the devotion of nieces who visited frequently and
were a comfort at her bedside during her last days. Visiting with family right up to the end
brought Edna peace. She was also overjoyed to have her half-sister Sally there with her as she
left this world to join her Savior and Lord in Heaven.
Edna leaves behind a 107-year legacy of family including her daughter, son, daughters-in-law,
four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, half brothers and sisters, and countless nieces,
nephews, and cousins. Her loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to
the fullest and playing card games in each other’s company.
Edna will always be remembered as a strong Christian woman who was devoted to her faith and
family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Edna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edna?
Share a story where Edna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edna you’ll never forget.
How did Edna make you smile?