Dolores W. Roethler
May 23, 1925 - September 19, 2019

Dolores Wilma Kollasch Roethler was born May 23, 1925 in Bancroft, Iowa to Elmer and Mary (Matheis) Kollasch. At age 15 she moved to Swea City, where she graduated from high school. She moved to Algona and worked at Brown Photography Studio colorizing portraits. At that time she met her husband Kenneth Roethler, they were married June 19, 1947. To this union, 10 children were born, Sharon, Marilyn, Kevin, Craig, Diane, Mike, Lowell, Perlene, Kendra Julie and Keith. Ken and Dolores farmed south of Algona. She worked part time at Schultz Brothers and later twenty years at Coast to Coast.

Dolores loved to travel with her family. There were numerous trips with family and friends to the beloved fishing camp, Devils Rapids Camp in northern Saskatchewan. Dolores and Ken traveled with friends to Washington D.C. as well. Sharon living in Alaska gave Mom the opportunity to see the beautiful state many times.

She also loved her "girl trips" with family. It started with a trip to New York City for her 80th birthday and was followed by trips to Seattle, Arizona, New England and California. Of course the many trips to Des Moines to see her family gave her much joy. Dolores was fortunate to have four of her children and their families living in Algona, where everyone spent an incredible amount of time together. Dolores loved entertaining and cooking for all 111 of her immediate family.

Dolores was an active member of St Cecelia's Catholic Church, Kossuth County Democrats and the VFW Auxiliary. She was a true patriot and unselfish woman.

Dolores died on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Algona Manor at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth John; daughter, Diane Elbert; father, Elmer Kollasch; mother, Mary Kollasch; sister, Helen Garry of Elkhorn, NE.

Dolores is survived by 9 children, 26 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren:
Sharon Rusher of Wasilla, AK; children, Tammy Rusher of Clark, SD (Bradyn, Nevaeh); Kip Rusher of Houston, AK (Shaylee, Leiah); CJ (Camille) Rusher of Houston, AK (CJ, Nellie, and Billy);

Marilyn Johnson (Jay) of Urbandale, IA; children, Eric Johnson (Jenny) of Altoona, IA (Ella, Lily); Andrew Johnson (Amy) of Urbandale, IA (Taylor);

Kevin Roethler (Pat) of Algona, IA; children, Jason (Kristen) Roethler of Algona, IA (Ava, Piper, Creed); Jacob Roethler (Kara) of Spirit Lake, IA; Justin Roethler (Angie) of West Bend, IA (Jayda, Caden, Ian, Easton); Amanda Taffe (John) of Lakeville, MN (Griffen, Eden); Josh Roethler of Algona, IA;

Craig Roethler (Ruth Ann) of Urbandale, IA; children, Melissa Lovell (Kyle) of Stillwell, KS (Kaylee, Kendall, Kenslee); Korey Roethler of Adel, IA;

Diane Elbert (Jay) of Whittemore, IA; children Tony Elbert (Katie) of Emmetsburg, IA (Riley, Rory, Reed); Neal Elbert (Heather) of Algona, IA (Trevor, Trey, Tristan); Mason Elbert (Kacie) of Jackson, MN (Saylor);

Mike Roethler (Debra) of Algona, IA; children Nick Roethler (Jenny) of Algona, IA (Elson, Olivia, Aleta); Jamie Meyer (Andy) of Clear Lake, IA (Addison, Teagen, Easton);

Lowell Roethler (Vickie) of Algona, IA; children Kandice of Ankeny, IA; Brandi Diers (Nick) of Algona, IA (Landon, Madison); Kendra Roethler of Algona, IA;

Perlene Clegg (Howard) of Madrid, IA; children Nathan (Steven) of Minneapolis, MN; Andrea Fuller (Jay) of Madrid, IA (Matthew, Tyler, Layla, LJ); Cody Clegg (Jolynne Carlson) of Madrid, IA (Brandon, Olivia, Megan); Aubree Clegg of Kearney, NE (Scarlett);

Kendra Julie Chapman (Tom) of West Des Moines, IA; children Mac Chapman (Becky Perry) of Casey, IA (Rogan, Camden); India Chapman (Blake) of Garwin, IA; and

Keith Roethler (Shari) of Spencer, IA.

Dolores is survived by two sisters, Wilma Mueller of Algona, IA, Shirley Kazemba of Worthington, MN; two brothers, Jim Kollasch of Bancroft, IA, Phil Kollasch (Betty) of Duluth, MN; brother-in-law Virgil Roethler (Donna) of North Liberty, IA.

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