Towne, Doris Ardell (1924 - 2025)

TOWNE, BRYNJULSON, NARUM, HOLTER

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 7/19/2025 at 15:40:23

Name of deceased: Doris Ardell Towne (nee Brynjulson)

Aged: 101 yrs, 4 mo, 12 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: Feb. 4, 1924; Canton, Lincoln County, SD

Died: June 16, 2025; Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Friday, June 20, 2025; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, IA; burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Children, Randy (spouse, Martha) Towne of Lafayette, CO, and Bill (spouse, Beth) Towne of Harlan, IA; grandson, Nathan Towne; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Albert and Effie (nee Narum) Brynjulson; husband, Willis Towne; siblings, Verna Holter, Robert Brynjulson, and Harlan Brynjulson

Education: Began her education in a 1-room schoolhouse in Lincoln County, SD; she went on to graduate from Canton High School, Class of 1941. After high school, Doris attended business school.

Religious affiliation: Baptized and confirmed at Grand Valley Lutheran Church, Canton, SD; After their marriage, Dixie and Willis were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, IA, where Doris taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for years. Additionally, she sang in the church choir and was a dedicated member of the women's organization. Her talents and generosity extended to making mission quilts and knitting sweaters for those in need.

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Willis Towne; June 25, 1950; location not provided

Employment: worked in an office in Sioux City, Iowa. During World War II, she moved to California to support the "Rosie the Riveter" war effort. Before her marriage and after moving back to Harlan, IA, Doris worked at the Harlan Newspapers. Once her sons were in school, she returned to work in the school kitchen. In 1970, she began working in an attorney's office, and remained until she retired in 1992.

Hobbies/Interests: Member, Myrtue Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; member, Shelby County Historical Society; member, American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and rock hunting.

Sources: kjan.com; pauleyjones.com