Dorothy Doerner Obituary

Dorothy Marie (Stewart) Doerner died peacefully with family present on November 5, 2024 at the age of 103. She was born at home on the family farm in central Minnesota near the small town of Ronneby, on July 16, 1921, to Harry and Loretta (Duhin) Stewart.

Although her childhood included hardships, she believed in herself, excelled in school receiving awards for fashion and civic-mindedness, two interests that continued throughout her life. After World War II, she was introduced to a handsome Navy pilot and that was the beginning of a love story that lasted nearly 50 years. They married in 1946 and had three children. Dorothy was first and foremost a wife and mother, truly a home-maker. She was also active as a volunteer in both civic and charitable organizations. Her beloved husband, George, died in 1996.

Dorothy was known to her friends and family as a woman of grace and elegance with a gift for hospitality. She was a woman of deep faith, remarkable strength and optimism, a woman who was very funny, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not.

Dorothy’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were fortunate to learn important life lessons from an extraordinary teacher who taught not only with words but by example: the importance of integrity and being true to one’s values; how to face adversity head-on without self-pity; that courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of faith; that moments of joy abound even in hard times; and, that aging doesn’t mean withdrawing from life but engaging fully in opportunities and adventures.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Gayle (Richard) Olsen of Rochester, MN; John (Nicole) Doerner of Fremont, CA; and Jeanne (Robert) Brown of West Des Moines; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George, and her sisters, Marjorie Stewart and Irene Baden.

Dorothy’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to her caregivers, especially Paulette Godwin and Katherine Moore, who provided loving care for many years, helping her find joy in each day.

Services will take place on Monday, November 11, 2024 at St. Augustin Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

May she rest in peace.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel

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