In Memory of Dorothy H. Porter

Dorothy H. Porter, age 91, of Lake View, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at her residence of Lake View, Iowa.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Mark Aurand will officiate.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Dorothy Helen Porter, daughter of Marvin and Marie (Luscombe) Brownlee, was born on October 14, 1932, on a farm by Cushing, Iowa. She went to heaven to be with Jesus on March 29, 2024. 

She grew up and received her education at Ida Grove High School graduating in 1951. Dorothy excelled in music when she was in school. She was active in the choir and band, where she sang solos and played the saxophone. Music was something Dorothy enjoyed the rest of her life. When her dad passed away, she was the recipient of his beautiful Hammond organ. She played nearly every day. When her eyesight failed, she still played beautiful music by ear. 

Dorothy worked hard all her life, starting at the five and dime while still in school. As a young adult she held positions as a waitress and cook at various restaurants. Later on, she worked as a bookkeeper for various businesses in Mapleton, Iowa, then as a bookkeeper/manager at Jo-Mart Steakhouse in Denison, Iowa and her last place of employment was at MCI in Sioux City, Iowa. 

After high school she married Dale Laumbach of Mapleton on June 3, 1951. Together they raised four children: David, Douglas, Debra, and Dianna. Later Dorothy met Rich Porter. They were married at her dad's home in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 3, 1989. She then added a stepson Rich Jr. to her family.

Dorothy and Rich lived in their RV for eight years moving from place to place for Rich's work with heavy construction equipment. They spent their winters in South Texas. Upon retirement, they purchased their home in Lake View, Iowa, were they still enjoyed going camping. 

Dorothy loved painting landscape pictures, even doing so after her eyesight was falling her. She was crafty and could make anything out of practically nothing. She sent a picture on an envelope to a national contest and came in 4th runner up. She received a congratulations letter from Phyllis Diller, who was a judge, and also won a blue ribbon at the Clay County Fair in 2019.

Left to cherish her memory included her husband Rich Porter of Lake View, IA; children David (Betty) Laumbach of South Sioux City, NE, Douglas (Carolyn) Laumbach of Larrabee, IA and Debra (Chris) Tyler of Blair, NE; stepson Rich (Dawn) Porter of Sioux City, IA; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sisters Dolores Williams and Janice (Lyle) Schaffer both of Ida Grove, IA; brother Jim (Lois) Brownlee of Sioux City, IA; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Marie Brownlee; her daughter Diana Kay Hanna; brother Jerry Brownlee; sister Donna Smith; sisters-in-law Sandy Brownlee and Ardis Brownlee; brothers-in-law Ray Williams and Larry Smith; other relatives and friends.