Obituary of Gail Elizabeth (Dehn) Roush

Gail passed away peacefully with her husband at her side on May 1, 2020. 

Gail was born November 10, 1947 the oldest of 3 siblings born to Eugene (Bud) Dehn and Jean Beaudry Dehn Sorenson.    She was born and raised in Anoka, attending St. Stephen’s elementary, Anoka Junior and Senior High school.  Gail was active in Civil Air Patrol in HS.  Following graduation she had various jobs including being a banker and postal worker before landing on her true profession of becoming a locksmith and eventually owning Coops Locksmith Shop in Anoka for many years. She had an amazing mechanical ability and in her younger years she worked on her own cars.

Gail’s true love was music.  Grandma Ida Beaudry taught Gail piano at age 5 and in doing so unlocked a musical passion that filled her Heart and Soul. Gail went on to learn many instruments including Drums (Marching Band in HS), Banjo, Guitar, and basically anything with strings she mastered.  She played in a Community Orchestra and Professionally in Country Western Bands in varying venues including but not limited to Threshing shows, State Fair and Wisconsin Dells.  Gail was also very active in Andover Lionness Club as a charter member.  She managed the Lions Charitable Gambling, along with many other community-based activities. She loved sports and played (and coached) softball and bowled.  Her favorite color was always Purple—SKOL!

Gail married the love of her life, Kenneth Roy Roush, February 21th, 1984 in Las Vegas, NV enjoying 36 years of marital bliss.  Together they enjoyed child rearing, camping, a craft business which involved lots of farmer’s markets and craft shows.  Gail was an avid crafter especially with knitting, crocheting, painting and other handiwork.   They also participated in numerous Lions Club activities.  In 1995 Ken was the 5M7 District Governor and they made a family vacation of attending the International Conference held in Korea. 

Gail was known for many qualities, however being subtle was not one of them.  She was very direct and you always knew where you stood with Gail.  She also thrived on seeing how much she could irritate people and get them riled up.  Her sense of humor was enormous and only her quiet generosity exceeded her humor.  She was loyal to a fault and never ever gave up on those she loved.  She could just as easily give you a hug as a punch on the arm.  Whenever someone needed anything, Gail found a way to meet those needs while often ignoring her own.

Gail is preceded in death by her parents, brother Bruce Dehn, half sisters Sheila and Shelly Dehn, nephew Brent Dehn, step siblings George & Virgil Pavin and Cheryl Evans.

Gail is survived by her husband, Kenneth, step-children Shawn (Kimberly) Roush, Tammy (Brandon), sister Denise (Frank) Farr, niece Sommer(Matt) Skogman, step siblings Jim Pavin, Carol Broberg, Lynette Pavin, Carol (Cyril) Flem, Dusty Sorenson, cousins, great nieces & nephews, many family by choice and friends.  

Celebration of Life for Gail Roush will be held in her style, causal and to the point.  

Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11AM

Central Park Pavilion, 7925 161st Ave NW, Ramsey, MN 55303

Limited seating so you may want to bring your own chair. Current CDC Covid Guidelines required by Park.  Feel free to bring a Gail story to share.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.