Iris Mae (Bowers) Rognli, aged 96, died peacefully in hospice care at Grand Meadows
Assisted Living in Glencoe, MN on May 11, 2026.

Iris was born In Spencer NE on April 6, 1930. She spent most of her youth on her
parents farm in Lake Park, MN.

She first worked as a switchboard operator at the Fargo Telephone Company. It was in Fargo that she met Erling while he was attending
NDSU. She also worked at Barton’s Hatchery in Silver Lake and at 3M in Hutchinson.

Iris was Erling’s helpmate during his many years of teaching. She was also his faithful
fishing partner. An expert quilter (usually all hand stitched) she made quilts for her
family members and friends. She was a proud Norwegian by marriage and enjoyed
making lefse, krumkake and other Scandinavian treats. Iris loved playing dominoes
and cards, puzzling, baking and spending her retirement winters in Texas.

Iris was a long time member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.

Iris is survived by her children Roger (Jacquie) Rognli, Ann (Jim) Andre, Judy Rognli
(Mike Hoyt) and daughter-in-law Margaret Rognli; her grandchildren Brian (Lisa) Rognli,
Amanda (Todd) Orduno, Angela (DJ) Karnic, Peter (Judith) Rognli, Andrea (Esten) Rye,
Annalisa (Andy) Conrad, Molly (Teddy) Oberle and Ryan Hoyt; 12 great-grandchildren; 2
great-great grandchildren; long-time family friend, Lester Williams and many nieces
and nephews.

Iris is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Charlie Bowers, her husband of
62 years, Erling, her son, Duane, her brother, Richard Bowers and her sister, Mary Ann
Raaen. She is also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Lawrence Raaen, Loren
Mork, Jerome Mork and Olaf Rognli; sisters-in-law Delores Bowers, Lucille Rognli,
Anna Mork and Gena Mork; nieces Lonnie Peterson and Janet Rognli Dale; nephew
Terry Bowers and best friend, Lori Williams.

Special thanks to the staff of both Grand Meadows Assisted Living and Ridgeview
Hospice.

Memorial service at The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at
11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.