Rose Ann Jensen, daughter of Anton Chris and Ilo Rose (Mulligan) Jensen, was born on March 2, 1928, in rural Shelby County, Iowa. She was one of three children.
Rose grew up on a farm near Irwin, Iowa, and graduated from Irwin High School in 1945. She attended a business college in Omaha and then worked at the Nishnabotna Valley REC where she met her future husband, John Sondag. They were married on October 25, 1948, and lived most of their married lives in the Irwin area. Five sons were born to them. Rose also worked 10 years as a secretary at the Irwin-Kirkman High School.
In the early 1970s, Rose and John opened the J & R Lounge in Irwin. Rose primarily ran the bar while occasionally enjoying a vodka sour or two and playing some four-point pitch. They sold it in the mid 1970s. In the early 1980s, Rose and John opened another establishment in Irwin, the Rose Petal Supper Club, and operated it until 1988. Her prime rib was absolutely delectable.
Rose also later worked at a local accounting service as well as at the Irwin Post Office and at Farmers Savings Bank in Irwin. She was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan.
Rose passed away on August 22, 2024, at Elm Crest in Harlan at the age of 96 years, 5 months and 20 days. She was preceded in death by a son in infancy, Frederick John Sondag, in August 1949 and by her husband in April 2001. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Lois Rasmussen in 2004 and Mary Rauterkus in 2011. She is survived by sons Tony (Mary Jo) Sondag of Harlan, Tom (Patricia) Sondag of Harlan, Jack (Joan) Sondag of Aberdeen, NC, and Patrick (Tami) Sondag of Council Bluffs. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Joyce Sondag of Des Moines, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and neighbors. In her later years, she had especially enjoyed spending time with her card playing group from Irwin.
At Rose’s request, no funeral service will be held. A private family inurnment at the Harlan Cemetery will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorials be directed to Irwin Fire and Rescue.
