Dorothy Ann Rothfus

Dorothy Ann Rothfus obituary, Perry, IA

Dorothy Ann Rothfus

Dorothy Rothfus Obituary

Visit the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory - Perry Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Dorothy Ann Rothfus, 98, of Woodward, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at King’s Gardens Campus of Perry Lutheran Homes.

A memorial service honoring Dorothy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 25, 2025, at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, with visitation one hour prior, beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a later designation in Dorothy’s name.

Dorothy was born July 1, 1927, in Ogden, Iowa, the daughter of Albert Winfield and Anna Erika (England) Nystrom. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1942.

On February 27, 1949, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Lawrence F. Rothfus at Swede Valley Lutheran Church near Ogden. Together, they farmed in the Woodward area. Dorothy was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bouton, where she was active in the Women’s Church Group and always willing to lend a hand with church activities.

Dorothy’s life was marked by hard work, generosity, and hospitality. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing quilt tops for the church women, and tending to her garden. She raised chickens and sold eggs to local customers, cared for both her mother and mother-in-law, and was always ready to help anyone in need. She loved to visit with neighbors and friends, often dropping everything to greet a guest at the door. Dorothy and Lawrence also enjoyed camping and dancing together, and she once began telegraph training school.

She is survived by her children: Barbara (Eddie) Heuton, Beth (Bill) Stufflebeam, and Ron Rothfus; grandchildren: Amanda (Joshua) Cross, Melissa (Josh) Polier, Sabrina Stufflebeam, Megan Folk, Lance Stufflebeam, Becky Rothfus, Christopher Rothfus, Julia Hutton, Skyler Heuton, AnnaMae Hutton, and Matthew Rothfus; great-grandchildren: Zoey Cross, Nicklas Polier, Jaccub Crowe, Leon Stufflebeam, Jayden Wasson, Leah Bachmeyer, Jade Bachmeyer, Wyitt Polier, and Shyann Twiss; brother, Reuben Nystrom; sisters-in-law, Marie Olson and Margaret Nystrom; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Anna Nystrom; her husband, Lawrence F. Rothfus; son, Rex Lee; daughter, Linda SuAnn; grandson, Fred Ralph; in-laws, Fred and Lena Rothfus; and brothers, Eugene, Bernard, Loren, Eric, Paul, and Richard Nystrom.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the King’s Gardens staff for their exceptional care of our mother, and to our family and friends for their love and support.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Make a Donation
in Dorothy Rothfus's name

How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dorothy Rothfus's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more