Kathleen Dunnan Rohlfing, 80, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on May 7, 2026.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Mary Margaret Dunnan and Dr. James Wallace Dunnan, Jr., Kathleen was raised in Paxton, Illinois, where she graduated from the public schools. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Teaching of English and a Master of Science degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she served as a Graduate Assistant.

Kathleen dedicated her career to librarianship. She served as an elementary school librarian in Champaign, Illinois, as a medical librarian at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, and for 38 years as a Youth Services Librarian in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Wilmette, Illinois. Through her work, she fostered a love of reading and literature in many young people, particularly through her storytelling programs for children ages two to six.

Preceded in death by her parents, Kathleen is survived by her husband, Kenneth Rohlfing of Bloomington, Illinois; her sister, Melissa Dunnan-Gillette of East Parsonsfield, Maine; her sister, Theresa Meyer (Jack) of Carbondale, Illinois; and her brother, James Wallace Dunnan, III (Susie) of Washington, Illinois.  Kathleen and Ken connected when they were 16 years old while playing sweethearts in a high school musical called "The Boy Friend".  Their first kiss was on stage.  Five years later they married and remained so for 58 years.

Kathleen was a woman of style, intellect, and creativity. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, swimming, reading, jewelry-making, and traveling. A devoted cat lover despite allergies, she shared her life with several beloved cats, including Haven, Arthur, Wallace, and James. Her original cat cartoons and stories, known for their wit and dark humor, were a source of enjoyment for family and friends.

Throughout her life, Kathleen was admired as a supportive sister and an enthusiastic adventurer. She served as the family historian, preserving cherished memories, and was respected for her encouragement of others. She faced the challenges of Huntington's Disease with dignity, strength, and grace.

Kathleen will be remembered for her spirited presence, intelligence, and dedication to family and friends. She will be interred privately at Glen Cemetery in Paxton, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Huntington's Disease Society of America or to a charity of the donor's choice.