Berens, Dorothy L. 1924-2009

BERENS, GABEL, BIRD

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/21/2009 at 08:31:24

From: Mauer Johnson Earnest Funeral Home Website, May 21, 2009

Kingsley, Iowa – Dorothy L. Berens, 84, of Kingsley, Iowa passed away on Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Kingsley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kingsley. Fr. Mark J. Stoll will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Johnson – Earnest Funeral Home of Kingsley. A Rosary service will be held at 4:00 p.m. led by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and a Scriptural Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. led by Deacon Michael Berens. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Thursday. Memorials in Dorothy’s name may be directed through the family.

Dorothy Lucille Gabel was born on October 11, 1924 on a farm near Marcus, Iowa, the only child of Sime and Allene (Bird) Gabel. She was raised in Kingsley, Iowa and graduated from Kingsley High School in 1942. Dorothy began to exhibit her musical talent at an early age when she would play the piano by ear and accompany her father's singing.

Dorothy majored in piano at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated in 1946. She taught vocal music in Pierson and Sioux City.

On September 24, 1949, Dorothy and Francis James Berens were united in marriage at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Kingsley. While raising her five children, Dorothy taught piano from her home and was a substitute teacher in the Kingsley School system. She was in great demand as an accompanist for music competitions and performances.

Dorothy was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Kingsley. She was the church organist and choir director for almost 60 years. Dorothy belonged to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and St. Michael's Guild. Dorothy and Jim often entertained priests and nuns from the area in their home.

Dorothy was also active in the Kingsley community. She was a member of T.T.T., served on the Kingsley Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Board, the library board and delivered Meals-on-Wheels. Dorothy enjoyed traveling to visit her children and was a great dog lover. On March 6, 2009, Dorothy became a resident of the Kingsley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Jim of Kingsley, daughters, Kathleen and her husband, John Rudolph of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Mary Anne and her husband, Joe Dell'Aquila of Indianapolis, Indiana, Theresa and her husband, Jim Law of Minneapolis, Minnesota, sons, Michael and wife, Sue Berens of Longmont, Colorado, and Tom and wife, Kathy Berens of Springfield, Virginia. She cherished her six grandchildren; Theresa, Michael, Dore', Jessica, Luke and Chris.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and an aunt, Phyllis Bird.