Lois Rosene Thedens

   ROWLEY — Lois Rosene Thedens, 89, of Rowley, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family, following a two-year battle with breast cancer.

   A memorial services will be at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church in Rowley, with burial at the Rowley Cemetery.

   Lois was born March 23, 1934, in Russellville, Missouri, the daughter of Otto Carl Rossbach and Ruth Amolia (Jahreis) Rossbach. When she was four years old, her family moved to rural Strawberry Point and eventually settled on a farm north of Monona. Lois attended country school through eighth grade and graduated high school in Monona with the class of 1951. She then attended Luther College and earned her teaching certificate. Lois taught at Jesup Community School and on Dec. 28, 1956, she was united in marriage to Richard Edward Thedens, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona.

   The couple made their home on the family farm outside of Rowley, where Dick and Lois raised their family. She continued teaching as a substitute at Independence for many years and she became involved in the mentorship program. She supported her community, organizing the food booth with other churches at the Rowley celebrations for more than 40 years and also served as township clerk and election board member for many years.

   Lois was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and held many roles within the church. She was a Sunday School teacher and superintendent for more than 50 years. She was a church elder, led the Presbyterian Women’s organization, locally and regionally, and she was part of the Presbytery of East Iowa Peacemaking Committee which allowed her to travel to the former Soviet Union in 1984 and participate in peacemaking discussions with her counterparts, one of the highlights of her life.

   Lois was humble, kind, and accepting of people for who they were. She had a passion for education and loved her family. She was a certified Master Gardener, tending her own garden for 67 years, and a wonderful cook.

   Lois is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard Thedens of Rowley, IA; John (Lisa) Thedens of Walker, IA, Mark (Becky) Thedens of Muscatine, IA, Dan (Laurie) Thedens of Iowa City, IA; six grandchildren, Peter Thedens, Ross Thedens, Jill Thedens, Aryn (Andy) Nelson, Mia Thedens, Nick Thedens; one great grandchild, Cameron Nelson; three sisters, Jo Ann Kohl of Cedar Rapids, IA, Carolyn (Russ) Holmes of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kathleen Phillips of Arlington, Texas; also, two sisters-in-law, Jane Rossbach of Mazomanie, Wisconsin, Ruth Rossbach of North Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Otto Rossbach, Jr., her twin, and Don Rossbach; also, her brother-in-law, Jon Kohl.

   Memorials may be directed to the Rowley Presbyterian Church or given directly to an organization of the donor’s choice reflected in her life.

   Online condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com. White Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of the arrangements.