Dorothy Langel Cranston

Dorothy Cranston, the daughter of John and Matilda (Weiskircher) Langel was born March 7th, 1939.  She was raised and educated in Milford, graduating in 1957. Dorothy attended and graduated from Mankato College in Minnesota.  She went to work at Buchanan Law Office in Algona, IA. Dorothy moved to Des Moines, IA to work for an Attorney representing Scully Oil.  Dorothy met Ray Cranston at the Roof Garden in Okoboji, IA. After a seven year courtship, Dorothy and Ray married March 14, 1964, in Des Moines, IA.  Making their home North of Everly on a farm for many years and farmed. They were business partners in farming of grain and cattle and expanded successfully over time.  Dorothy had her own four wheel drive tractor. Two daughters were born: Hayley and Lynn. Dorothy and Ray moved to Spencer IA in 2013.

      Dorothy had an amazing artistic talent.  To pursue her talent, during high school she enrolled at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln taking art classes.  She loved horses and rode as a teenager to middle age with her daughters. She enjoyed and was blessed with the friendship of great neighbors.  Dorothy sang in the church choir and her daughter, Hayley played the church organ. For decades, she enjoyed meeting and catching up over coffee with her brother and sister’s families after church at St. Joseph’s in Milford, IA establishing a strong family bond reaching out to the extended generations.

     She faced her last challenge with the same determination, spirit and faith - as a strong fighter.

     Dorothy passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the age of 79 at Northshire in Spencer surrounded with family.  She was preceded in death by her daughter Hayley Cranston Shepard, her parents: Matilda and John Langel, and a brother Earl Langel.

     Dorothy is survived by her husband: Ray, married for 54 years of Spencer IA, one daughter, Lynn and her husband, Dan Burke; Granddaughter, Andrea Burke of Omaha, NE; Son-in-law, Dr. Allan Shepard of Tega Cay, South Carolina; Siblings: Phyllis Hintz, Wayne Langel, and Dale Langel all of Milford, Iowa and extended family and friends.   

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