Dorothy Jean Vorwald

dorothy vorwald
Dorothy Jean Vorwald, age 83 of Elma, Iowa and formerly of New Hampton, IA died on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton. Dorothy Jean Franklin was born on September 5, 1929 to Ernest and Lillie (Gabrielsen) Franklin in Waterloo, IA. She graduated from East Waterloo High School. Dorothy moved to New Hampton and was employed at Schueth Hardware. Dorothy was united in marriage to Merle Vorwald on May 26, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton. After their marriage the couple made their home in New Hampton where they raised their two children, Debra and Michael. She worked at Hillandale Eggs, Ben Franklin and the Cresco Care Center in Cresco, IA. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, bowling, camping, reading, crossword puzzles, music and especially her grandchildren and family. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elma. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Debra (Don) Morrison of Elma, IA and son Michael Vorwald of Sheboygan, WI; her grandchildren Courteney (Ron) Boenig, Zaccariah Refshauge and Dillon (KC Mishak) Refshauge; brother Donald Franklin of Waterloo, IA and nieces and nephews. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Lillie Franklin; husband Merle Vorwald on August 10, 2012; and brothers Robert and Keith Franklin. Cemetery: Burial will be in New Hampton Cemetery at New Hampton, Iowa. May be directed to the family. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, Iowa. Memorial services will be at 4:00pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, Iowa with Pastor David Byrd officiating..

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  1. My Dear Mommy, The pain, sadness and emptiness I feel is nearly more than I can bear. Life goes by in the”Blink Of An Eye.” Just yesterday I was a little girl & you were young and full of life. Always busy, on the go. You were the best Mom ever. We always had everything we needed between you and Dad. You always decorated so festive for all the holidays and made them so special, birthdays too. I have carried that on, as your Grankids have too. You so enjoyed the garden, flowers, nature, the beauty of the outdoors & animals. We enjoyed camping at Yellow River, horseback riding in the hills, especially in the Autumn, swimming in the cold water that ran from the hills. You always worked so hard. We were the “Best” rock-picking crew, Dad, Mom & me, the boys too. We were out picking rocks, I was 45, Dad was 77, you were 78, WOW! You watched your 1st 2 grankids come into the world, back when Grandparents weren’t allowed in. You would stretch to see through the door window, being told you had to go wait. You’d wait alright, til they were busy, you were right back watching. You always wished you could have seen Your 3rd granbaby come into the world. You loved them so and was so overjoyed & proud to GRAMS.” You took them to the park, nickle hunting, treats, the toy room, went by So Fast. You were there to see your only Grandaughter graduate, Dad too. You were both able to walk at Courteney & Ron’s Wedding, so proud. We talked just the other day about you being a Great Grams in the near future. You smiled and said,”Yes!” Now you will have to watch over your Grankids & Great Granbabies from Heaven, Gramps & Great Gramps too. You are my Hero, as Dad is too. You lost your Daddy @ 7yrs. old, watched Grandma Lillie work so hard through the Depression, took care of your legally bling twin brother, worked, graduated, had alot of challenges, yet you were ALWAYS determined to rise above & Move forward. In the past 12 yrs. you have endured 4 bouts of cancer/chemo, broken bones, infections, a stroke. You were fearless, determined to cure it, heal and get back home. You made it back home,.We were So Proud of you, after the stroke, all your hard work, determination, efforts, you went home.There is No Place Like Home. So sad that a few months later, you lost your balance, broke your ankle, got infection, due to the prior chemo lowering your immunities & back to the Manor. Right up til the end you had a plan to return home, to have all your things, pets, health and independence. We hoped and prayed that would happen. You earned and deserved it. You are My Mommy Forever, We are So Proud You. You are our Angel, Our Hero, Grams. We will think of you as the seasons change, as the lilacs bloom. Every holiday, every Birthday. We helplessly stood by, praying, supporting, scared & worried, Loving You, holding your hand, cheering you on. We spent 3 hrs. with you when you finally conveyed, “hurry up & Leave.” You knew your time was near, wanted to be alone, so Unselfish & Brave, choosing to die alone, rather than have our last memories of you to be dying, God Bless You My Sweet Mommy. Watch Over Us, We’ll feel your Spirit, Miss You Every Day And Love You Forever. Your Daughter, Debbie

  2. Deb and family, I am so sorry to hear about you Mom. I remember from when we were kids going by your place on the farm. She always had flowers planted around. It is really hard to loose your parents. Keep your memories close to your heart, she will be with you always and be missed by anyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim and Dixie

  3. I shall remember you forever dear Dorothy. You came into my life when I was a young lad, and we really got along so well. You always did special things for me, and I loved the picnics you used to pack, and the times I got to stay overnight. As my Aunt you were very special, and we never forgot each other all these years. May God Bless your family and your soul. Mark

  4. Debbie & Michael,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a special lady. Just reading your post Debbie brought tears to my eyes. When I babysat for you kids, I remember how your parents were so very proud of you. You will always have the special memories that no one can take from you. She will always watch over you.

  5. Deb n family..I am not good at this by any means, but the same ol thing that I am truly sorry for your loss..you got 2 huge losses back to back but hon some of the memories will be in ur heart for ever.. your mom n dad havnt left you, there around the corner keeping u all safe..Steve n Cindy Koleno

  6. Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in our life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. God assures us at Psalms 34:18 that he is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. Jesus also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. Jesus own words found at John 5:28,29 tells us there will be a resurrection. What a wonderful hope! God says that soon on the earth there will be no more pain, suffering and especially death at Revelation 21:3-5 We anxiously await the day when we will no longer lose those we love. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.

  7. Grams, I still can’t believe you’re gone. I never thought this day would come, but it has. It seems like just yesterday you were this on the go grandma, and now you’re up in heaven with all the angels, and with all our relatives. I am still not sure how I will make it without you. I’m still searching for peace, and even when I find it, I know that the day you died, a little part of me died too. You were the best grandma anyone could have ever asked for. I am proud and honored to had been part of your life for 26 years. You will always be one of the most amazing people I have ever known, but more than that, you will always be my hero. When I don’t feel strong, I’ll remember what you said.. and you, you remember what I told you.. Keep an eye on me. I love you to the moon and back grams.. Love Always and Forever, Bombs


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