Rita Louise Johannsen, 75, of Des Moines, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Per Rita’s wishes, no service will be held. Rita was a beloved wife known for her love of animals and nature. Rita was born on Dec. 9, 1949, in Davenport. Born to Lloyd and Velma (Olderog) Johannsen. She was united in marriage to Mark Rouw on Jan. 11, 2003, in Des Moines.
After graduating from Durant High School, Rita graduated from AIB, DMAC and Iowa State University, and worked many years in public service for Polk County. For years Rita was a dedicated volunteer for the Science Center of Iowa, caring for the live animal collection and doing programs.
Rita enjoyed the Iowa State Fair and won many blue ribbons for her wonderful baked goods. Rita also enjoyed traveling, camping, movies, Iowa State men’s basketball, crocheting, photography, birding, and everything related to natural history. Rita was active in The Iowa Herpetological Society, the Des Moines Audubon Society, and was a member of numerous conservation organizations.
Those honoring her memory are her husband Mark, sister Lora (Gary) Schmidt, nieces Jennifer (Loren) Clasen, Brenda Gonzalez, and nephew Michael Schmidt.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Joanne Wiese, nieces Sandra Homan and Karen Wiese, and nephew Gary Wiese.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The Nature Conservancy.
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