– Alyssa Tillie Rogalla, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin passed away on May 29, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, the place where she was born. Her mother and Godmother each held a hand as she took her last breath and floated to heaven. She was cared for in the hospital and ICU for eight days, surrounded by many family members and a very caring hospital staff who took great care of her.
Alyssa grew up in Thief River Falls, attending St. Bernard’s Catholic Church Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Lincoln High School. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Zoology from North Dakota State University.
She was baptized at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Goodridge and confirmed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls.
Alyssa can best be described as loving, caring, welcoming, loyal, funny, strong, and supportive of others. She worked to help many people, whether it be seniors in a nursing home, cub scouts at Camp Wilderness, homeless people at the Gladys Ray Shelter, or teen girls who faced challenges in an out of home placement centers. Anyone who needed help, Alyssa would be there. She also loved animals and found a beautiful friend in her adopted rescue dog Mia.
Alyssa loved her family and friends above all else and they loved her back. She treasured spending time with her relatives at Lone Lake by the campfire and on the water. As a young girl, she would always cry when family members left after a holiday or gathering, because family was simply that important to her.
She absolutely loved playing games, as evidenced by the many score sheets in her journal. She was an avid reader, and an inspiring dreamer. She loved to sing Disney duets with her sister, alternating between melody and harmony. She played the oboe, flute, and piano. Winter was her favorite season and she always looked forward to the first snowfall. Regardless of the season, Alyssa loved to be surrounded by nature.
Alyssa was survived by her parents, Alan and Kelly Rogalla; sister, Lauren Rogalla; and brother, Robert and his fiancée, Clara Rustan; uncles and aunties, Doug and Bernie Lesser, Leon and Kristi Rogalla, Bob and Mary Jones, Dina Rozman, Richard and Nelie Johnson, Robert and Julie Rogalla, Denise Joyal, and Roger Rogalla; cousins, Nick, Shelby, Elijah, Grace, Lukas, Jackson, Denver, Jordy, Jason, John, Owen, Dylan, Megan, and Brent; grandparents, Mike Johnson and Audrey Rogalla.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Betty Johnson and Vernon Rogalla; along with her namesake, great-grandmother, Tillie Alice Johnson, and George Johnson; great-grandparents, Elphie and Joe Adlis; and her Nana, Emma Lane, and John Lane.
Her family would like to thank everyone who sent their support and prayers.
A visitation will be held at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 10 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 11 a.m., led by Rev. Kristin Ostercamp.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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