Miriam Rohlfsen

Miriam Rohlfsen, 79, passed away Sunday morning February 18, 2018, at Fountain West Rehabilitation Care Center in West Des Moines. Visitation will be this Thursday at 9:30 A.M. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 A.M., Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Graveside service will be at the Newell Cemetery on Sunday afternoon February 25th. Miriam Eloise (Thuesen) Rohlfsen was born on February 12, 1939 in Storm Lake, Iowa: daughter of Harold C and Elenora M (Johnsen) Thuesen. She was baptized and confirmed at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa. Growing up, she attended Newell Consolidated School. She graduated in May of 1957 and then attended Grand View College for one year. On a "piping hot day" in August 1958, Miriam was united in marriage to Donald L. Rohlfsen from Marcus, Iowa. The young couple settled in Davenport, Iowa while Don completed his schooling at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Together, they were blessed with three children, Brett, Sara and Chad. After Don's graduation in 1959, they lived in Sioux Rapids & Urbandale for a short while, Forest City for 25 years, and moved to West Des Moines in January 1990. While living in Forest City, Miriam was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School. She served on the North Iowa Human Services Board - an organization that spearheaded change in care for special needs children in Iowa and elsewhere. She also shared ownership of a children's clothing store "Youngtown." Miriam created and operated a variety gift store in Forest City called "The Strawberry Patch" which showcased her unique and innate gift for design. She had a knack for presentation and knew how to mix and match colors, textures and patterns in fanciful, coordinated ways with professional results, especially with all things red! She was a delightful conversationalist and always ready to invite her friends and family to sit down and enjoy each other's company over a cup of coffee. Miriam loved family and friends and treasured spending time with them. In 2001, Miriam met Edward Rand. For the last 17 years, they have enjoyed daily life together and each other's families, traveling, many theatrical productions and fine dining. Those left to cherish Miriam's memory include: trusted companion Ed Rand and his extended family; son, Dr. Brett Rohlfsen of Norwalk, Iowa; daughter, Sara Rohlfsen and partner Ron Simonton of Urbandale, Iowa; son, Dr. Chad (Stephanie) Rohlfsen and their children: Claire, Cameron, Ayden, Renn, Harris and Audrey of Indianola, Iowa; sister-in-law, Phyllis Rohlfsen of Newell, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, their children; and friends. In lieu of flowers Memorials in honor of Miriam may go to her childhood church, Nain Lutheran Church, 441 W. Jensen St. Newell IA, 50568

Miriam Rohlfsen

February 12, 1939 - February 18, 2018