Paul Rothfusz
April 28, 2010
Paul William Rothfusz, 71, of West Des Moines, died April 28 at his home in West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Des Moines on May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet family and friends at lunch following the service.
Paul, the sixth son of Andrew and Anna (Geiszler) Rothfusz, was born May 2, 1938, in rural Ashley, ND. He attended both grade and high school in Ashley, graduating in 1956.
He attended Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, graduating in 1960 with a B.A. in Biology.
His seminary education took place at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, IA, including an internship at Trinity Lutheran Church, Oak Lawn, IL. After seminary, Paul studied for two years at the University of Iowa, School of Religion.
Paul married Jean Wormley on June 19, 1966, in Oswego, IL. Following a summer honeymoon spent working for the U.S. Forest Service on a fire lookout tower in northern Idaho, Paul was ordained in his home congregation, Zion Lutheran, Ashley, ND.
Paul served as pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader, IA, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic, IA, Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong, IA, Holmes Lutheran Church in Holmes, IA and Samuel Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, IA.
Upon retirement Paul and Jean moved to Weslaco, TX. He then served as the first coordinator for the Companion Synod Program of the ELCA between the Western Iowa Synod and the Southern Diocese of the ELCT in Tanzania.
Paul was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents, and brothers Clarence and Gerhardt.
He is survived by his wife, Jean of Weslaco, TX, and West Des Moines; son Mark (Lydia) of Atlantic, IA, son John (Elise) of Washington, IL; daughter Anne (Shawn) Johnson of Des Moines and daughter Mary of Chicago; grandchildren, Lisa, Andrew, Aaron and Kaitlyn Rothfusz of Atlantic, IA, Daniel, David and Anna Rothfusz of Washington, IL, Connor, Quinn and Sophia Johnson of Des Moines, and Robert Gran of Glenwood, IA. Other survivors include brothers, Irvin (Helen) of Ashley, ND, Marvin (Judy) of Glencoe, MN, and Ralph (Judy) of Bay Village, OH.
In addition to his family and his ministry, Paul enjoyed sailing, camping, financial planning, traveling, gardening, refugee resettlement, and the Cursillo movement.
His body was donated to Des Moines University Medical School.
Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Western Iowa Companion Synod Program.
Condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Duane and jolene Mennenga
05/03/2010
Jean, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sorry we were unable to make a connection with you on Saturday or Sunday. Just found the obituary in the paper today. Will keep you and the family in our prayers.
A note about the farm: The corn is in and things are going well this spring. What a great spring this year after the long winter. Please call anytime with any questions you may have about the farming.
Our deepest condolences. Duane and Jolene
Joyce Kramer Little
05/03/2010
Even though we've been out of touch for quite a while, I wanted to extend my condolences on the loss of Paul. He and I were very close in childhood and young adulthood. Paul was truely a great person and I'm sure you all are missing him fiercely. Stay strong in the Lord.
Bonnie Cahoon
05/02/2010
Jean and Family
All my Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
His quite way I well always remmeber. He well be missed very much
Here it a Bonnie HUG for you all...
Elda & Larry Hatten
05/02/2010
Jean & family - Our deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Elda and Larry
Ted and Doreen Geiszler
04/30/2010
Though we didn't get to know Paul very well, we spent some time with his family on our honeymoon almost 56 years ago and well remember all the Rothfusz boys - Paul being the youngest - 16 at the time. But we send our thoughts and prayers to you Jean and to your family. In case you don't recognize us just by the name, Ted is Bob and Joann's older brother Sorry we haven't been in touch, but our travels have never taken us in that direction since our honeymoon.
We will be thinking of you all at this time.
Ted and Doreen
Dick Wright
04/30/2010
I considered Paul as a very good friend as well as my Pastor !
He along with the "Three Muskateers", Newell, Wayne & Fred, very
lovingly coaxed me into a meaningful relationship with my Lord !
Paul, please give my loved ones who have gone on before me a
GREAT BIG HUG, and save a place for me !!
Jean and Family, I know how hard it can be to lose someone you care
so much about, even though you know they are in a Glorious place.
May your Faith in the Lord sustain you through the tough times !
Your Friend in Christ, Dick Wright !