Rose Marie Pawlewski

Rose Marie Pawlewski, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2026.

A graveside service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date, where Rose Marie will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Norman, who preceded her in death on December 7, 2020.

Rose Marie was born on October 15, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Carlo and Mary Fiscarelli. She was born an identical twin; tragically, her sister, Gloria Theresa, passed away in the hospital shortly after birth.

Rose Marie graduated at the top of her class from Cardinal McCloskey High School in Albany, New York, in 1962. An honor student, she received the award for Outstanding Business Student upon graduation. She went on to work as a stenographer for the Bureau of Adult Health and Geriatrics with the New York State Health Department, where she met her future husband, Norman.

Following their marriage, Rose Marie and Norman moved to Iowa, where she fulfilled her dream of being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She was an incredible cook, and family dinners were always an important part of the day. A lover of the arts, Rose Marie enjoyed ceramics and painting, creating beautiful pieces that remain treasured by her family. She also taught herself to play both the electric guitar and piano.

As her children grew older, Rose Marie returned to the workforce as a legislative assistant to a senator in the Iowa State Legislature. During this chapter of her life, on April 18, 1975, Rose Marie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Ten days later, on April 28, she led her husband and children to give their lives to Christ as well.

From that time forward, Rose Marie and Norman became deeply involved in their church and taught Bible studies in their home for many years. Rose Marie also taught Scripture to numerous women’s groups throughout her life. Her knowledge of the Bible was extensive, and she possessed an extraordinary memory, continuing to quote Scripture even into her 80s.

Rose Marie had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh and have fun. She had a gift for creating memorable moments that became hilarious stories her family and friends will continue to share with joy and laughter for years to come.

She was deeply empathetic, an incredible encourager, and a thoughtful listener. Rose Marie would spend hours listening to and encouraging anyone who needed her, even strangers. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader and always made time to pray for and with them, offering wisdom, comfort, and encouragement whenever they needed it.

Her absence on this earth is an immeasurable loss to those who loved her, but her family finds comfort in knowing that her arrival in Heaven was met with the words of her Savior: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Rose Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman Pawlewski; her parents, Carlo and Mary Fiscarelli; her twin sister, Gloria Theresa; her brothers, Nickolas, Carlo, and Anthony; and her sister, Rita Fiscarelli.

She is survived by her beloved children, son, David Pawlewski (Shelly), and daughter, Dawn Krogh (Rodney); grandchildren, Nicole Rens (Tyler) and David Joshua Krogh; great-grandchildren, June, Sawyer, and Finn; sister, Connie Tunny; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the family.