Obituary of Gene E. Rosdahl

Gene E. Rosdahl, 84, of 98 Westminster Drive, WE, died at 2:54 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 in WCA Hospital. An area resident most of his life, he was born in Jamestown on September 8, 1928, the son of the late Einar W. and Matilda Boettiger Rosdahl, and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in 1944. Gene served as a radio operator in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 in Germany and France. In 1954 he graduated from the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio and together with his father, purchased the Vintage House Restaurant in Fluvanna and the Grape Vine Restaurant which was located at the current Honest John's address. After selling the Vintage House, the Grape Vine was relocated to the newly purchased 1290 East Second Street location, where Gene and his wife, Delores operated the restaurant for 35 years, retiring in 1992. Some of Gene's fondest memories are of the many 'Grapeviners' he and Delores came to know. They hosted holiday buffets each year and have many former customers who remain as friends today. Gene and Delores wintered for many years in Sanibel Island, FL until purchasing a home in North Fort Myers, FL which they enjoyed for over ten years. Gene enjoyed golfing, his stock club and its members, visiting with his niece and nephews, working with his wife outside at their home, telling jokes, lunch with his best friend, Hector Mareri, and travel. He will be remembered for his positive, cheerful attitude and outlook on life, as well as his concern for the happiness of others. He was a club founder and member of the Spec 88 Stock Club for 41 years, a 30 year member of the Herman Kent Post 777 American Legion in Celoron, and belonged to the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, Vikings Lodge and the Jamestown Coin Club. Following retirement, Gene had also worked during the summer as a gatekeeper at the Elm Lane Gate at Chautauqua Institution. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delores Olson Rosdahl whom he married March 27, 1951. Special people in his life besides his wife include nephews Kevin (Susan) Osterstrom of Venice, FL and Stephen Osterstrom of Buffalo, NY and a niece, Christine Olson Johnson of Notre Dame, IN; 17 additional nieces and nephews; his best friend Hector Mareri of Falconer, NY and former Grape Vine employees and good friends, Frances Zilenka and Loretta Johnson. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Donald E. Ray will officiate. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Blind Assoc., 510 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, NY 14701.