In Memory of Dorothy C. Stehr
Dorothy C. Stehr, age 94, of Lake View, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at the Stewart Memorial Hospital of Lake City, Iowa.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Lake View, Iowa. The Reverend Donald E. Peterson will officiate, with interment following in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Lake View, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com
On April 11, 1922, Fred and Christina Bettin brought their first daughter, Dorothy (Bettin) Stehr, into the world on a farm northwest of Lake View, Iowa. She was baptized into her Lutheran Faith on July 18, 1922. Growing up Dorothy was surrounded by seven brothers, Leland, Roy, Kenneth, Paul, Richard, Ronald, and Vern, and one sister; Donna (Bettin) Chastain. She attended school and graduated from the eighth grade from Clinton #5 country school on June 5, 1935.
Dorothy was a wonderful cook. She credited her cooking abilities to having to help cook for the clan, making pies and bread by the age of 12. On April 30, 1939, her cousin Esther introduced Dorothy to Marvin Stehr, outside the theater in Odebolt, Iowa. Marvin and Dorothy exchanged vows on June 20, 1940. The couple lived with Marvin’s parents, on a farm south of Odebolt, until 1945 when his parents moved to town. They stayed on the farm until 1949. While living on the Stehr family farm Dorothy and Marvin were blessed two children, Robert and Barbara.
In 1949, the couple purchased a farm northwest of Lake View, Iowa, just a half a mile from where Dorothy was raised. While living there they were blessed with two more children, Kathleen and Douglas. They lived on the farm until 1977, when they built a new home in Lake View. Marvin and their son Doug built the house together, except for the masonry work.
Having a variety of odd jobs. While living on the farm Dorothy raised chickens, she also worked at Sanders Hardware in Early. On February 21, 1974, Marvin and Dorothy joined in a business venture, opening M&D Variety, on Main Street, Lake View. They had the variety store until 1982. Dorothy has worked as a baker and cook at different area restaurants, Tjaden’s Café, O-D-Bolt Café, and also worked for her daughter Kathy at Kathy’s Korner.
Dorothy had many hobbies. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening, cooking, sewing, embroidering, ball room dancing and traveling. Marvin passed away in January of 1997. Dorothy did some traveling, even conquering her fear of flying in 1997. Dorothy stayed fit and youthful by keeping busy and was always on the go. Dorothy was member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Lake View, Iowa.
Dorothy’s true treasure in life was her family which she adored and cared for very much. She will be remembered for her delectable cooking and her kind, caring nature.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Robert (Judith) Stehr of Ames, Iowa, Barbara (Gregory) Danhoff of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Kathleen (Burl) Carroll of Lake View, Iowa; daughter- in-law, Diane Stehr of Lynn Haven, Florida; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; brothers, Ronald (Joyce) Bettin, Paul (Maxine) Bettin, and Roy Bettin; sister-in-law, Evelyn Bettin; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marvin Stehr; son, Douglas Stehr; sister, Donna (Doyle) Chastain; brothers, Leland Bettin, Kenneth (Gloria) Bettin, Richard Bettin, Vern (Ardine) Bettin; and sister-in-law, Jimmie Nell Bettin.
SERVICES
11:00 a.m., Saturday,
December 31, 2016
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Lake View, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Rev. Donald E. Peterson
CASKET BEARERS
Bradley Stehr
Jesse Carroll
Michael Stehr
Kai Fick
Devon Greer
Jacob Carroll
VISITATION
2 hours prior to Service
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
December 31, 2016
Emmanuel Lutheran
Lake View, Iowa
INTERMENT
Odebolt Cemetery
Odebolt, Iowa
Condolences
My thought and prayers are with you in the passing of your Mother.”