Mary Ellen Rehwaldt

Mary Ellen (Trahms) Rehwaldt, 94, of Dodge Center, MN passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Mary was born on June 26, 1930, the daughter of George Robert and Ellen Emma Anna (Fitzloff) Trahms, at Immanuel Hospital in Mankato, MN. She grew up in rural Smith’s Mill near Janesville, MN. Mary Ellen was baptized on July 27, 1930, a member of Smith's Mill Lutheran Church, and confirmed on April 30, 1944. She attended high school at Bethany Lutheran College, graduating in 1948, where she met Harold Rehwaldt, the love of her life, during her senior year. After graduation she attended Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN for 2 years. Mary and Harold were married at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Janesville, MN on June 22, 1951. They made their home in Dodge Center, MN where they farmed from 1951 until 1995, when they retired. During those years they were blessed with five children. In 1999 they moved from the farm to the city of Dodge Center. Throughout her life, Mary was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. In 1964, Mary and Harold built the Dairy Queen in Dodge Center. Mary owned and operated the Dairy Queen until 1971 when the store was sold. She then worked at Bowie and Mosier, CPA office as the office secretary for 15 years. In 1974, she was instrumental in the creation of the Dodge Center Volunteer Ambulance Service; she served the community as an EMT for 15 years. No one was ever a stranger to Mary. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a generous, creative soul. She loved sewing, baking, reading, traveling, and listening to good music. But more than that, she loved sharing those interests with others, and passing on life’s little secrets. She was forever teaching.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Harold, four sons and one daughter; Jeffrey (Leesa) Rehwaldt of Kasson, MN, Bradley (Carol) Rehwaldt of Deland, FL, Timothy (Judith) Rehwaldt of Sauk Rapids, MN, Sue Ellen (Jerry) Rehwaldt Hays of Clarinda, IA, Gregory Rehwaldt of Las Vegas, NV; brother, Drs. George (Carol) Trahms of Novato, CA; sister-in-law, Dr. Nancy Trahms of Tiburon, CA; twelve grandchildren, Nathan (Sarah) Kobi, Nicholas (Mary) Kobi, Dylan (Carly) Rehwaldt, Devin (Lauren) Rehwaldt, Jon (Elizabeth) Rehwaldt, Thom (Laura) Rehwaldt, Audrey (Paul) Ryberg, Heather Hays, Heidi (Darin) Orme, Kelsey (Thomas) Heeren, Seth (Jamie) Rehwaldt, Sutton (Annalise) Rehwaldt; twenty one great-grandchildren, Paige, Landon, Jackson, Adaline, Gwendolyn, Elinor, Lillian, Oliver, James, Ian, Samuel (Kelsea), Max (Megan), Natalie, Evan, Matthew (Brittny), Riley, Ryan, Lawson, Oscar, Kennedy and Atticus; six great great-grandchildren, Bodhi, Theobelle, Eugene, Charles, Kai and Charlotte.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dr. Robert Trahms and Ray Trahms; in-laws Edgar and Frieda Rehwaldt, Dorothy and George Williams, Charles and Gloria Rehwaldt, Irma and John Rehbein and Arlene and Roger Prigge.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 Central Ave N in Dodge Center, MN with Pastor Elliott Malm and Pastor Robert Lentz officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW in Dodge Center, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN. Mary’s entire being was rooted in kindness and giving. She gifted hundreds of her Lizzies during her lifetime. In the spirit of Mary’s far-reaching love, we invite you to bring your Lizzie to the service on Saturday, November 16th. Also, we encourage you to celebrate Mary’s love of the color purple in your clothing and accessories. Memorials for Mary are with the Alzheimer’s Association and Grace Lutheran Church of Dodge Center, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South St SW Dodge Center, MN 55927, 507-374-2155. Blessed be her memory.