ROSE ANN LESLIE (HORVAT), 92, of Eagan (formerly Hermantown) died Thursday, September 17, 2020, at home surrounded by family. She had recently celebrated her birthday by dancing to live accordion, polka music on her front porch. One week later she suffered a fall.
Rose was born August 16, 1928 to John and Mary (Mihelich) Horvat in Ely, MN. On November 15, 1959, she was united in marriage with Robert “Bob” Leslie at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely; where Rose was baptized, received her first Holy Communion and confirmation. They made their home in Hermantown, MN, where they raised three children; Patti, Paul and Glenn.
Growing up in Ely, Rose worked at local resorts cleaning cabins. After graduating from high school she attended Ely Community College and became a nurse’s aide at Shipman Hospital in Ely. In 1949 she joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). After training at Fort Sam Houston she was stationed at the US Army Hospital - Camp Yokohama in Japan for over two years where she cared for wounded soldiers from the Korean War. Throughout her career she worked many jobs including positions at Western Electric (where she met her husband Bob), St. Mary’s Hospital, Burlington Northern Railroad and the US EPA. Rose retired from the Twin Ports VA Clinic at the age of seventy-nine where she worked as a phlebotomist for over 18 years.
Rose was a proud Korean War Veteran and patriotic songs brought tears to her eyes. She loved being on-the-go visiting family and friends. She could brighten a complete stranger’s day with her stories. Never shy, Rose would introduce herself by asking, “Are you a Veteran?” And then you likely heard her Mount Fuji story. Rose loved to dance, bake walnut potica, play scrabble & bingo, outdoor adventures and simply being around people.
Rose is survived by her sons Paul (Jodi) of Eagan, MN and Glenn of Hermantown, MN; grandson Jared of Cloquet, MN; sister Louise Wiens of Duluth, MN; brother Albert (Gwen) Horvat of Tower, MN; loving nieces and nephews; and friends who touched her life in so many beautiful ways.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Leslie; daughter Patricia “Patti” Leslie; parents John and Mary Horvat; and siblings Katherine, Rudolph “Rudy” Horvat, Molly Hill, Joseph “Joe” Horvat, Margaret “Maggie” O’Connor and Mary “Mitzie” Stephenson.
A celebration of Rose’s life is planned for next summer. Internment with Military Honors will be held at Sunrise Cemetery in Hermantown, MN.