At 91.7 years of age, Loretta joined her family and friends in Heaven on Monday, September 26, 2011.

Loretta was born on February 5, 1920 to John W. and Anna M. (Knox) Gossman. She is survived by five daughters: Ann (Joseph) Fitzpatrick, Kathleen (Todd) Gibbons, Mary (Joseph) Kernan, Joan (Bryan Rossi) Kneeskern, Carol (William Brown) Kneeskern, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law Naomi Gossman. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters, 1 brother, 2 sons-in-law and 1 great-grandson, Shane Fitzpatrick.

Loretta retired from St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester in March of 1986 after 18 years as an executive in Environmental Services. She was an active member of St. John's Catholic Church.

She inspired all who met her with her unfailing faith, courage, wit and unconditional love. She left this world the same way she lived in this world, with quiet strength and little fuss.

Visitation for family and friends will be in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12 ^th Street SE, Rochester, on Thursday Sept. 29, 2011 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John's Catholic Church, 11 4 ^th Avenue SW, Rochester, at 10:00AM on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, with visitation from 9:00AM to 10:00AM.

Burial will be at 11:00AM on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at St. Agnes Church in Plymouth Rock, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. John's Catholic Church, 11 4 ^th Avenue SW, Rochester, 55902 or Seasons Hospice House, 1811 Greenview Place SW, Suite 110, Rochester, 55902.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.