Louise Rohde

Louise Ardell Rohde (née Miller), 74, of Bayport, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 21, surrounded by her family at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater.

Louise was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on August 13, 1951, and raised in the nearby farming community of Claremont. She spoke of her childhood there with deep affection, describing it as beautifully simple-days shaped by family, community, church, and the rhythms of farm life. She loved caring for her farm animals and laughing about the mischief she tried to avoid (although not always successful!) from her brother, Robert, and cousins.

Those early years helped shape the woman Louise became-thoughtful, compassionate, and grounded. She carried those qualities to Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, where she earned her Registered Nursing degree and was honored with the title of Miss Whitecap, reflecting her grace and kindness among her peers.

After graduation, Louise returned to Claremont to care for her mother before moving to Hopkins, Minnesota to continue her professional nursing career at Methodist Hospital. It was there that she met George, the love of her life. They married in 1976, and before long, Louise decided to step away from her nursing career to dedicate herself fully to motherhood-a role she embraced with her whole heart.

Family was always Louise's deepest joy. She was proud to raise her two daughters, Amanda and Laura, and to share a devoted marriage with George. She was the heart of her home-steadfast, selfless, and endlessly giving. Her home was welcoming, comforting and filled with love. She carried herself with an effortless poise and class, yet was humble, private, and deeply thoughtful.

When her daughters were grown, Louise returned to work, spending 20 years at Dayton's/Marshall Field's/Macy's. She had a natural gift for customer service-gracious, attentive, and warm-and took pride in making people feel cared for. It was simply who she was.

In life's quieter moments, Louise could be found tilting her face toward the sun on warm summer days, soaking in the sunshine and lost in gentle reflection. That same warmth extended to her cherished grandchildren, whom she doted on endlessly. She adored animals, cheered faithfully for the Minnesota Vikings, never turned down peanut M&Ms, enjoyed beautiful country drives with her husband, George, and loved to bake-her kitchen often filled with the comforting scent of something delicious in the oven.

More than anything else, Louise will be remembered for the unselfish and unconditional love she gave to her family-it was steady, generous, and constant. A love that made them feel safe, supported, and deeply cherished.

Louise is survived by her beloved husband, George; her daughters, Amanda Welle (John) and Laura Kaiser; her treasured grandchildren, Jack and Lilah Welle; and her brother, Robert Miller (Valerie). She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Miller Sr. and Virginia Nietert, and her niece, Anna Miller.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Louise's life at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Stillwater on Thursday, January 29, honoring a life filled with love, grace, and quiet joy. Her memory will live on in the love she gave and the lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Paul Animal Humane Society or The Bond Between.