Anderson, Dorothy Anita (Wepler) -- 1917 - 2005

ANDERSON, WEPLER, THOMAS, ODE, BYRNE, CHAIKEN, ROBOINE, DALE, HERTGES

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/28/2012 at 13:00:59

Dorothy A. W. Anderson, age 87, of Decorah, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah following a sudden illness.

Memorial Service is at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Decorah by Rev. Matthew H. Perkins, with inurnment in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, February 25, 2005 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah.

Dorothy Anita Wepler Anderson was born April 3, 1917 in Decorah, IA, the daughter of J. Elmer and Inga Marie (Anderson) Wepler. She graduated from Decorah High School with the Class of 1935. She attended Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls and earned her teaching certificate. Dorothy graduated from Luther College in Decorah in 1969.

She was united in marriage to A. Carleton (Carle) Anderson on February 14, 1947 in Decorah. To this union, three daughters were born: Carla Jean, Dee Ann Esther, and Mary Jo Carol.

Dorothy worked as a substitute teacher in Decorah for several years. She taught at Ridgeway Elementary School in Ridgeway, IA. from 1961 until retiring in 1982.

Dorothy was an active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Decorah. She participated in the Deaconate, Choir and Bible Study. Dorothy served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross during World War II in India. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the V.F.W. Auxiliary and a 50 year plus member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as a Worthy Matron and for many years as treasurer. As an avid reader, Dorothy was a life long student and teacher. She enjoyed music, including playing the piano, listening to operas and attending community concerts. She also loved traveling, spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, enjoying Decorah’s beautiful parks and her home for many years on Day Street.

Her philosophy of life enriched all who knew her. “Make it a great day” and “See you tomorrow” were her slogans that will be cherished, along with her faith in God, her compassion for those in need, and her strength and courage during difficult times. Although her hearing and body failed over the years, her sense of humor and beautiful smile spreading sunshine to all who met her will long be remembered.

Dorothy died Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa at the age of 87 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, A. Carleton Anderson on November 17, 1976; a daughter, Carla Jean Thomas on January 8, 1993; a sister, Gail (Mrs. Rudy) Ode and three brothers, Jesse, Walter and Percy Wepler.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Dee Ann and Roger Byrne of Racine, MN., Mary Jo and Bob Chaiken of Golden, CO. and Dan Thomas and his wife Jane of Willow Springs, MO.; a grandson, Andrew Byrne of Minneapolis, MN.; two granddaughters, Carrie Thomas and Christine Raboine and her husband Joe Raboine, all of Burlington, WI.; three great-grandchildren, Emma (5), Olivia (2) and Samuel (2) Raboine; two sisters, Luella (Mrs. Rolf) Dale and Viola and Leonard Hertges all of Decorah; two sisters-in-law, Gladys (Mrs. Walter) Wepler of Decorah and Pat (Mrs. Percy) Wepler of Waterloo, IA. and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy’s family gratefully acknowledges the support and care of the staff at the Arlin Falck Assisted Living Apartments and the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home, as well as the Winneshiek County Public Health Nursing Service, Loving Touch and Team Rehab.

Memorials may be directed to the Congregational United Church of Christ or the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah.

Source: Fjelstel Funeral Home database