by Mari Radtke from material provided by Rick Rowher and as recorded by Dorothy Gater
Jurgen and Dorathea Rohwer came to the United States from Germany near the beginning of the 20th century. Their family roots grew deep and wide. The love of family and the ties show in their dedication to 100 years of family reunions. Sunday August 11 marked the 100 such event at “The Lodge” at Mill Creek Lake. Twenty nine attendees enjoyed the gathering.
The Herman Rowher farm near Gaza started the event on August 2, 1925 with 65 family members attending. Rick Rowher attended this year’s event and has filled the unofficial position of family historian. Pictures displayed at the 2024 reunion show the farm then and now. “It looks the same,” Rick said as he gazed at the before and after photos. At that first reunion, eight of Jurgen’s Jr. and Dorathea’s nine children attended. Daughter Dorathea (Dorothy) Schierholz had passed away in February of that year. Some records suggest her passing was an inspiration for the remaining siblings to hold the large reunion. It was also at this event in which a vote of those attending to make the reunion and annual event.
The 1926 event in Rushmore, MN brought 76 members of the Rohwer family together. Here they formalized their reunion into an organization for planning and other necessary activity. Officers and duties were selected. John Rohwer served as the first president with D. B. Harrington as VP and Alta Pingel as secretary/treasurer. At this time, the Gus Mehrens home near Hartley was selected as the 1927 reunion site. Also decided was that the reunion would be held on Sundays. As fortune would have it, one of the daughters married a minister, Reverend E.L. Marousek. It became his duty to open each reunion with a sermon.
Details of many of the first reunions are preserved for the subsequent generations have an understanding of their ancestors. The 1929 reunion was held in Ida Grove with over 100 joining. The reunion returned to O’Brien County, this time at Sutherland City Park. Brothers and sisters of Jurgen attended this event. Once again, more than 100 family members attended. Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Harrington hosted the 1931 event in Sioux City.
Since 1931, various locations throughout Paullina have been selected for entertaining the now many branches of the Rohwer family reunions.
The reunions through the years regularly brought more than 100 family members together. Displays of family trees descended from Jurgen Jr. and complete with photographs decorated the Lodge walls. One of the photos dates back to 1902. Families sat for photos. Over time some of the identities were lost. Some are shown. There is a rich history in photos and in the family trees that go with them.