Dolly Kirchner, age 77, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the Barthell Eastern Star Home, in Decorah, Iowa, after a long battle with esophageal cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial was held March 26, 2013, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main St., Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be given in memory of Dolly to the Barthell Eastern Star Home Activity Bus or to Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice.
Dolly Ann (Doocy) Kirchner was born on May 30, 1935, the daughter of John and Margaret (Sennett) Doocy in Swea City, Iowa. Dolly attended grade school and graduated from Swea City High School in 1953. Her education continued with a move to Mason City, where she graduated from Mason City Junior College in 1955 with a teacher’s certificate. Dolly married Glenn Kirchner on June 6, 1959, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, Iowa. Dolly and Glenn started their family while in Mason City, Iowa. She taught for 18 years at Geneva Public School, Sheffield Public Schools, St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Mason City and also at St. Benedict’s Catholic School in Decorah. Dolly and Glenn moved to Decorah in the spring of 1972. While living in Decorah, she had the chance to complete her education, graduating from Luther College in 1976, with a B.A. in elementary education. Dolly was a very active member in the life at St. Benedict Church and School. She served as the chairman of the Madonna Circle, Rosary Society President, Parish Council and on the Banquet of Blessings fund raising committee. She also enjoyed her membership in the Catholic Daughters of America. Other community organizations receiving her attention were the Girl Scouts, Kilties, Nordic Dancers and her personal favorite, Ulster Project, where she has continued to stay in touch with the friends she made in Ireland. In recent years, she found her way back to the children by volunteering at John Cline School and St. Benedict School. Over the years, Dolly enjoyed camping and visiting on her “front porch.” Above all, Dolly loved her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother, who would personalize all of her grandchildren’s visits when they would come to Decorah.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Barthell Eastern Star Home and Winneshiek Memorial Hospice for all of the wonderful care of Dolly.
Dolly is survived by her five children: Glenda (Paul MOEN ‘79) Moen, Hudson, Wis.; Steven (Tessa) Kirchner, Vail, Colo.; Kaleen (Bruce) Hanson, Waukon, Iowa; David (Laura) Kirchner, Decorah, Iowa; and Michael (Wendy) Kirchner, Chatfield, Minn.. Fourteen grandchildren: Aaron (Venessa) Moen, Mackenzie (fiancé, Dave Von Ahnen) Moen and Madeline Moen; Canon, Berit and Bode Kirchner, Paige and Ashton Kirchner, Patrick, Annika and Sean Kirchner, Kylie, Brixen and Kayler Hanson. One brother-in-law: Darvin Hacker ’59 (Norma (Olson) Hacker ’52), Decorah, Iowa. One niece and three nephews: Mike Hacker, Karen (Doug) Kinnett, Larry Eckhardt, and Marty (Jodi) Eckhardt.
Dolly was preceded in death by her parents: John and Margaret (Sennett) Doocy. Her husband: Glenn Kirchner on July 30, 2001. Father and mother-in-law: Charles Kirchner, Klaas and Maude (Kirchner) Pruisman; Three brothers: Larry Joe Doocy, Armond Doocy and Con Doocy. Brother and sisters-in-law: Elizabeth “Betty” (kirchner) Hacker ‘59, LaDonna Ron “Red” Eckhardt and Rhonda Kirchner.
