Known in the Northfield community for her engaging smile and supportive comments, Adeline (Addy) Roadfeldt died at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester, Minnesota on November 18th, 2011. She was 70.

Adeline Pearl Blotter was born on February 19th, 1941 in Underwood, North Dakota to parents Emil and Evelyn. Emil, an amateur accordion player, named his first-born daughter after the 1903 ballad, “You’re the Flower of My Heart, Sweet Adeline.”

The Blotter family (Emil, Evelyn, Addy, and Lois) moved to Bismarck in 1956 where

Addy attended Bismarck High School, spent summers working at the state insurance department and the KFYR television station as a secretary, and graduated in 1959 as the class salutatorian.

Addy left North Dakota and attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, graduating in 1963 with a nursing degree. At Gustavus, she also met future husband, William (Bill) John Roadfeldt. He soon realized that she was not a shy wallflower, but had a great deal of spunk. They were married in West St. Paul on March 21, 1964. 

On September 21st, 1968, Bill and Addy welcomed their daughter, Holly Kristine in Evanston, Illinois. In Mankato, Minnesota, Charles (Charlie) William was born on January 21st, 1975. Addy was a caring mother and encouraged her children to find their own unique paths in life. Creativity and imagination were held in equal esteem to academic excellence. She actively supported studies in music, drama, and art for both children. In addition to attending concerts and plays; driving her children to music lessons and competitions; and providing occasional guidance during practice sessions, Addy provided her own artistic contributions by leading Charlie’s cub scout troupe and giving lectures to the elementary school as the guest “Art Lady.”

In addition to encouraging her children and her husband, Addy was a comforting nurse to thousands of patients. She worked in Minneapolis, Mankato, and Findlay, Ohio in hospitals, assisted care facilities, and for public health.

In 2002, Addy and Bill moved to Northfield to begin their retirement. She continued her educational pursuits by taking language, literature, and music history classes. She honed her card playing skills by participating in several bridge games each month. She was an avid reader, enjoyed movies, and devoted time each day to prayer. She also was a volunteer at St. John’s Lutheran Church and served on the Faith and Health Board. Most importantly, she was the best friend of her husband Bill. Together they took trips, went to basketball games, volunteered at book fairs, and enjoyed life.

Addy is survived by her husband, William Roadfeldt, of Northfield; her daughter, Holly Roadfeldt-O’Riordan, and her husband, Kirk O’Riordan, of Easton, Pennsylvania; her son, Charles Roadfeldt, and his wife, Christi Roadfeldt, of Severn, Maryland; and her sister, Lois (Lotte) Bailey, of Bismarck, North Dakota.

She is preceded in her death by her parents, Emil Blotter and Evelyn Blotter, of Bismarck, North Dakota.

Adeline Roadfeldt was a loving wife, an encouraging mother, a supportive sister, a devoted daughter, and a dedicated nurse. Above all, she was an exceptional friend.

She valued empathy, kindness, honor and respect and these ideals were evident to all who came in contact with her. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adeline Roadfeldt’s name.

Arrangements are with Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.