Lois E. Dorfler

Lois Eileen (Carothers) Dorfler was born on July 24, 1939 to Andrew and Marjorie (Gessmann) Carothers in Manilla, IA. She was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church in Manilla. She married John Milo Dorfler on July 12, 1964 in the First Presbyterian Church in Manilla. Lois died early Monday, August 3, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa at the age of 70 years and 9 days. She attended the Manilla Public School and graduated as valedictorian in 1957. She attended Tarkio College, Tarkio, MO for one year and then transferred to Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, NE to complete a two year teaching certificate. Lois then taught school in Manilla for two years. She attended summer school during this time. After the two years she returned to Wayne State Teachers College, Wayne, NE where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in elementary education. After graduation her teaching career included positions in Boone Community School, Denison Community School, and Schleswig Community School. She retired from Schleswig Community School in 1999. She had been an active member of Schleswig Education Association, National Education Association, and Iowa State Education Association. Lois was a member of the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. She was a member of the Crawford County Retired School Personnel Association of which she served as secretary for several years. Lois loved reading, listening to music, watching basketball games and Dr. Schuller. Lois is survived by her husband, John Milo Dorfler of Charter Oak, sons: John Andrew (Darci) Dorfler of Marion; James Milo (Jennifer) Dorfler of Ankeny, three grandchildren: Megan Dorfler; Allison and Jack Dorfler, two sisters: Barbara (Charles) Agan of Manilla; Lorraine (Jim) Riley of Republic, MO, one brother, Robert (Beverly) Carothers of Arvada, CO. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Andrew and Marjorie Carothers and her father-in-law, John A. Dorfler. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 6, 2009, at the United Church of Christ in Schlewig, Iowa, with Pastor Christ Burtnett officiating. Music for the service included three congregational hymns, "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art" and "God Be With You" with Tammy Neubauer serving as organist. Pallbearers included Brad Agan, Jeff Agan, Andrew Riley, Steve Garrett, Larry Kastner and Larry Gessmann. Interment was at St. Paul?s Cemetery, Charter Oak, Iowa. Following the interment all were invited to return to the church and join the family for fellowship and a meal catered by Staley?s assisted by the United Church Of Christ Women?s Guild. Memorials have been established to the United Church Of Christ, 409 Maple, Schleswig, Iowa 51461 or American Diabetes Association, 6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 504 W, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.