Rosemary Yurgae Obituary

Rosemary Ann Yurgae

With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the vibrant life of Rosemary Ann Yurgae, 77, of Clive, Iowa, who passed peacefully into eternity on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.

Rosemary was born on April 20, 1948, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to Catherine (McAleer) and Leonard S. Johnson. She graduated from Holy Ghost Elementary School and McDonell High School in Chippewa Falls, and later from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she met the love of her life, Phillip Yurgae. The two were married on August 16, 1969, and recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Rosie was a devoted wife, loving mother, and the best grandmother anyone could ask for. She played a key role in the formation of Mueller Yurgae Associates, owned a gift shop in Valley Junction, and enjoyed helping other business owners throughout her career. Rosie loved travel, tennis, golf, spending time at Sun Valley Lake and a good conversation — and if you were lucky enough to share one with her, you knew it was something special.

She is survived by her husband, Phillip; sons, Jeffrey (Gina) and Christopher (Aimee) Yurgae, both of Des Moines; sister, Dolores (Casey) Sylla of Scottsdale, Arizona; brother, Robert Johnson (Jon Monda) of San Diego, California; grandchildren, William, Jackson, Alexis, and Carter; step-grandchildren, Nicole and Seth; three great-step-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Buddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Catherine Johnson, and her brother James.

Rosie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace, and may God’s light shine brightly upon all the lives she touched.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, with a Celebration of Life immediately following in the Sacred Heart Parish Center.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. The funeral mass will be livestreamed. A link will appear on Rosie's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com where you may also leave online condolences.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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