Dotzler, Donald (“Donnie”) Ralph (1937 - 2023)

DOTZLER, LINDGREN, LADWIG, WILWERDING, BACKHAUS

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 3/19/2023 at 14:33:50

Name of deceased: Donald "Donnie" Ralph Dotzler

Aged: 85 yrs, 9 mo.

Residence: Defiance, Shelby County, IA

Born: May 21, 1937; Defiance, Shelby County, IA

Died: Feb. 21, 2023; University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Douglas County, NE

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023; St. Peter's Catholic Church, Defiance, IA; burial was in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Defiance, IA

Survived by: Sons, Jim Dotzler of Defiance, IA and Dan (spouse, Cindy) Dotzler of Ida Grove, IA; grandchildren, Ciara (spouse, Hunter) Lindgren, Ben Dotzler, Ellie Dotzler (fiancé, Kaden Ladwig); nieces; nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Joe and Leona Dotzler; wife, Janet Dotzler; siblings, Raymond Dotzler, Kenneth Dotzler, Grace Wilwerding, and Robert Dotzler

Education: Graduated from St. Paul's Catholic School, Class of 1955; he then attended and graduated from Barber School

Religious affiliation: Baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Defiance, IA

Military service: Served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and was stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.

Marriage: Janet Backhaus; July 11, 1964; location not provided

Employment: Although a barber by training, Donnie ran a pumping service for 25 years, worked at the post office and did household sales as an auctioneer. In addition, he helped his brother, Bob, occasionally with construction jobs.

Hobbies/Interests: Loved playing baseball on the Defiance town team at one time and was proud of the undefeated 1962 team. He umpired high school baseball and softball games for many years after he quit playing town ball and loved being involved with his kids' little league games, helping coach when he could; loved hunting and his dogs; in his younger days, he raised hunting puppies. He enjoyed working on things and fixing them, loving the challenge of bringing old things back to life; enjoyed playing cards with friends. Mostly, he loved his kids and grandkids and watched every sporting event he could.

Sources: kjan.com; pauleyjones.com