Dorothy Wynia

Dorothy Ann DeValois Wynia passed away May 17, 2018, at Bethany Manor in Story City, IA. A celebration of life will be held in Rock Valley, IA, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church July 7 at 11:00 followed by a lunch/visitation. Burial will be at the Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley.

Dorothy was born Oct. 10, 1922 on a farm south of Boyden to Anna Scholten and Edgar DeValois. Her father was killed in a farm accident when she was 3 1/2 years old necessitating a move for her, her mother, and her younger sister into Boyden to the home of her maternal grandmother, Hendrijkan Scholten, who was in need of care.

Dorothy(Dot) graduated from Boyden High School. She continued her education at Hope College in Holland, MI, for the next two years. Returning to Iowa, Dorothy taught elementary education in Estherville for two years and then in Rock Valley for two more years.

While in Rock Valley, a teacher friend introduced Dorothy to Charles(Chuck) Wynia who had come home from serving in the Air Corps during WWII. They were married June 4, 1947, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. They lived for a few years in a tiny trailer on the Drake University campus while pursuing degrees. Dorothy taught in Madrid and Johnston while finishing up her Bachelor of Arts Degree and graduating in January of 1949.

Dot and Chuck lived in several communities in the state of IA before returning to live in 
 Rock Valley in 1956 where they were both active in the community and raised their four children. Dot enjoyed following her children’s activities and teaching in the Rock Valley Community School District. She was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, was in a circle, and volunteered for many committees. After retiring from teaching Dot was a dedicated volunteer in her community and with her family. She always had a good book to read with her as well as crossword puzzles and word scrambles to challenge her mind. She made a courageous move from her beloved Rock Valley to Timberland Village in Story City two years before her death to be closer to all her children. She made many new friends at Timberland Village while continuing to stay in touch with old friends. During her six week stay in Bethany Manor she impressed all of the staff with her graciousness and keen mind. She introduced the caregivers to all visitors by their given names and details about the caregivers families, where they lived, if they were students and where they were taking classes. Her sharp mind and definite opinions continued until the end.

Dot was preceded in death by her husband and sister Harriet (Earl) Warne. She is survived by her sister Merry (Hal) Wissink; 4 children - JoAnn (Jerry, deceased) Slater of Adel; Tom (Mary) Wynia of Story City; Jean (Craig) Stoermer of Wayzata, MN; Karen (Joe) Hamilton of Shawnee, KS; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dot requested all memorial gifts go to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rock Valley.