Dorlene Rosetta Stricker

Dorlene Rosetta Stricker, was born September 11, 1920 in Holland (Grundy County), Iowa. The daughter of Harm M. and Anna Naefke Meyer, the oldest of seven children. The family moved to Spirit Lake and later Sioux Valley, MN, where she graduated from High School in 1937. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and has remained faithful to the Lord throughout her earthly years. She attended nursing school in Sioux City. Dorlene was united in marriage to William Jacob Stricker on April 16, 1944 at Inglewood, CA. To this union five children were born, David, Daniel, Nina, Naomi and Jonathon. Dorlene has been a life long and very active and involved member of the church. She was organist at Concordia Lutheran in Lake Park and until earlier this year taught Sunday School for over 52 years. She was very active in First English Lutheran in Spencer. She belonged and served in many capacities in various church organizations. She was a member of the St. Lukes Auxiliary, Reins of Hope, Geneology Society and was host manager for the Fare For All program in Clay County for a number of years along other service groups and boards. Dorlene worked in the nursing field until November 1969. Including the Cherokee Mental Institute, Everly nursing facility and Longhouse in Spencer. In November 1969 when she was, as a pedestrian, hit by a car and sustained serious injuries. Upon recovery, in 1973 she graduated Spencer School of Business where she was a classmate of her daughter Naomi. She worked for Experience Works, up until earlier this year when her health failed. She also worked as a teacher's aide in the Spencer Community Schools for over nine years. After the death of William, Dorlene obtained a driver's license after being taught to drive by her children. Dorlene had a love of learning and as late as March 25, 2006, in failing health she attended Master Gardener's re-certification course. Dorlene's greatest pride and joy were her grand and great grandchildren, and her students at Jefferson, Fairview and Lincoln Schools in Spencer. Dorlene continued to live in her home east of Spencer until her death. She enjoyed reading, gardening. her African violets, watching NASCAR racing, and her cats. She looked forward yearly to the Clay County Fair and watching her grandchildren exhibiting in the horse shows. Left to survive are her children: Dan and his wife, Claudia of Royal, Lena Matthews and her husband, Dr. Brian of the United Kingdom, Naomi Pelisek of Spirit Lake, IA and Jon and his wife, Libby of Greenville, IA; her grandchildren: Jim Hilpipre, Mark Stricker and his wife, Marie, Chanda Williamson, Holly and Robin Matthews, Michelle Stevens and her husband, Tim, Josh Pelisek, Joe, Amber, Mike, Jake and Julie Stricker; her great grandchildren: Shelby, Chad, Danielle Williamson, Chance Noll and Drew and Jack Stevens; two sisters: Lula Ritter of Rixeyyville, VA and Milda Kofoot and her husband, Marvin of St. Ansgar, IA; 2 sister-in-laws, Carmene (Wayne) Meyer of Camarillo, CA and Eunice (James) Meyer of Worthington, MN and a brother, Luverne Meyer and his wife, Marilyn of Worthington, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Dorlene passed away at the Spencer Hospital on Sunday, April 16, 2006 at the age of 85. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, David; a sister, Joyce and two brothers: Wayne and James. When interviewed by a student, Stacey Nissen, several years ago, Dorlene said "she didn't have a favorite month, but she enjoyed April" He is Risen - He is Risen Indeed!! Hallelujah!! Sympathy God be with you in your sorrow, Through the night and through the day; May some blessing come tomorrow That will clear its cloud away. God is generous in His giving, Give Him now the soul that's fled: May He bless with strength the living, Rest eternally the dead.

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