Della Rohlfing

Della Sophie Meier was born, September 2, 1921, in Lincoln Kansas. She was the 1 st of 7 children. Her father, Karl Meier, was a farmer in Sylvan Grove Kansas, and her mother, Minnie Meier, was his wife. Della was baptized Sept ember 11, 1921 and confirmed April 16, 1936 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Lincoln Kansas. She was raised on the farm and was a good hand for her folks. Her parents showed her the importance of God and family. She t hrived at school and church, and was very active in her community. After graduating from Lincoln High School (1940 ), Della found work in Denver, CO helping a family with cooking, and caring for their small child. In Denver she attended the local Lutheran church and served often. On e Sunday, December 7 th 1941( Attack on Pearl Harbor) , at church Della met a young airman named Victor Rohlfing . He was the son of a Lutheran pastor in Missouri , who had joined the army air corp . and was stationed at Denver 's Lowry Air Base . They met every Sunday at church , sat next to each other , and after 5 dates, on January 5 th 1942 Vic proposed to Della ( while in his car in the church parking lot). Her parents received word from the Pastor in Denv er , who vouched for Vic Rohlfing . Shortly after the proposal (that day), Vic was assigned to Hammer Field in Fresno California. Della left Denver for Sylvan Grove Kansas to see her family and gather all she had. With her family's blessing she got on a bus ( alone ) and headed to meet Vic in Fresno CA, where they would be married February 15, 1942. She would travel with Vic for the next 22 ½ years, while he was in the USAirForce .

​God blessed Della with a daughter , Ellen Marie, while they were stationed in Dayton Ohio in 1943 . 7 years later God blessed them with a s on, Mark Victor, in El Paso Texas. The AirForce took them to Fairbanks Alaska, London England, and Washington D.C., not to mention many other wonderful airbases across the country. Finally Vic retired and they made their home in Buhl Idaho, where they lived for 1 9 years surrounded by much of the Meier family.

​Della and Vic moved to Selah, WA in 1980. They were blessed with 4 grandson s. Ellen had 3 boys: Willie Wenz, Karl Wenz, and John Wenz. Mark had one boy: Sean Rohlfing . In 1984 , Ellen and her 2 youngest boys , Karl and John , moved to Selah, WA . Della and Vic gladly took them in , and raised them in the orchard country of the Yakima V alley. She had three of her g randsons marry , and was bles sed with 6 great grandchildren: Willie and D arcy Wenz of Chino Hills, CA have 2 children, Alexandria and Austin. Karl and Heather Wenz of Shepherd, MT have 4 children, Gustav, Annaliese, Greta, and Wilhelmina. John and Adr ienne Wenz live in Phoenix, AZ. Sean Rohlfing lives in Lee, NH.

​After living in the Yakima Valley for 19 years, i n 2001 , Della and Vic moved to Billings , MT with their daughter Ellen. They became active members at Apostles Lutheran Church. In 2002 their daughter Ellen was called to Heaven. Della and Vic we re alone for a short time, when Karl and Heather found a home in Shepherd, MT that they all could share. Della was reliving her earlier years, being surrounded by a growing family . In 20 05 Vic was in need of Hospice care, and Della helped all she could in the ir Shepherd home. They had been married 63 years when he was called home . Vic was a true companion for Della, and she loved him dearly.

​Della loved to travel, and went with Karl and Heather on family trips every summer. In 2012 Della's son Mark moved to Mo ntana and made his home with them in her final years. Mark was able to care for his mother full time and is a tremendous blessing to the whole household. D ella lived in Shepherd until she was called home to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

​Della loved her Savior, her family, and generously serving others. She was active at every church she attended, from Sunday school teacher, Bible class atten dee , VBS organizer, evangelism committee member , any l adies group that was available, and of co urse , serving food at potlucks . Her smile, her laugh, her stories, her hugs and kisses, her desserts, will all be missed. Yet, we all rejoice knowing she is with our Savior, and free to dan ce, cook, and sing in His Glory! We praise God for letting her be a part of our lives here on earth, our sister in faith, Della Rohlfing , sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.