Mildred A. Ozinga 1926-2022

OZINGA

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/23/2024 at 19:13:38

Mildred Annetta Ozinga
(November 1, 1926 - July 30, 2022)

Mildred A. Rosdail Ozinga, 95, longtime Pomeroy resident, passed away on July 30, 2022. Mildred Annetta Cruzen was born November 1, 1926, in her parents’ farm home near Carnduff, Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of six years, she welcomed a baby brother, Laird, and a close, lifelong relationship, rooted in love and respect, was forged. The two of them would often get tickled and share a hearty laugh about things none of the rest of us fully understood. Milly attained her early education at Lilac School which was on a corner of the Cruzen farm. The school was not just a place for education, but also a center for social events and church services. She was baptized at the school by Rev. Wood in 1937. Milly embraced the life of wheat farmers on the prairie. As a young girl her transportation was often a horse in fair weather and a sleigh in the cold winters. She boarded in town to attend Carnduff High School and graduated in 1944. Mildred continued her education at Iowa State College (now ISU) where she met her future husband, James Rosdail. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development in the spring of 1948. On July 3, 1948, Mildred and James were united in marriage at the Canadian farm home. They lived in Ames until the spring of 1951, when James completed his DVM degree. In 1952 the couple settled in Pomeroy. Milly was fulfilled raising their seven children and working alongside her husband as a full-time assistant. The large animal veterinary practice operated out of their home Monday – Saturday, 8AM-8PM. She enjoyed interacting with the clients as it kept her connected to her rural roots. Mildred was involved in her family’s activities as well as many church and community organizations. At St. John Lutheran Church she participated in Women of ELCA and taught Sunday School for many years, including a teacher training class for teens. She hosted a weekly ecumenical women’s Bible study in her home. She was active in organizations such as 3M Club, AAUW, IVMA Auxiliary, and PEO. She served on the Calhoun County Board of Health, Iowa Republican Women Committee, and the ISU Home Ec Alumni Board.
Milly always enjoyed hosting family and friends in her home, whether it be a large extended family holiday meal or a cup of afternoon coffee. Her hospitality was extended to her children’s friends. For many years the Rosdail home was a flurry of activity when band members and cheerleaders used it as a place to change out of their uniforms after performing during home football games. Upon Doc’s retirement, Milly returned to teaching preschool and volunteered as a presenter for the Art in the Schools program. She spent many hours at her easel painting people and places dear to her and won numerous art awards throughout the years. James passed away in January 2002. Milly married Robert “Bob” Ozinga in 2003. They lived in Ames nearly ten years and took advantage of cultural and educational opportunities at Iowa State University and some international travel before moving to The Lakeside Village in Panora. Although Bob died shortly after their move, Milly continued to reside at Lakeside where she enjoyed their activities, welcoming family and friends, and her hobby of oil painting.
Survivors include her children, Gail (Paul) Boock of Ankeny, Jan (Roger) Rosdail-Aegerter of Jefferson, Joy (Steve) Klepacki of Derby, KS, Tom (Gina) Rosdail of Sidney, NE, and Jon (Kelli) Rosdail of Granite Bay, CA, daughter-in-law, Ruth Rosdail of Knoxville; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Cruzen, Marvel Rosdail, and LaVonne Rosdail; the Ozinga children, Bob, Jane, and Cathy; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Faye (Lytle) Cruzen; husbands, James and Robert; son, Jay Rosdail; daughter, Leanne Rosdail; brother, Laird Cruzen; and Robert’s daughter, Marcy Ozinga. Copyright Lampe & Powers Funeral Home, (712) 464-7665, https://www.powersfh.net