Dorothy "Dodie" Bartels
Dorothy “Dodie” M. Bartels, 98, of Lansing died Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 31 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Lansing with Pastor James Buckhahn officiating. A private burial with family will follow. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing is handling arrangements.
Dodie was born May 10, 1926, in Lansing. She attended school in Lansing and graduated in 1943, continuing her education at the University of Dubuque. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught elementary school in both Maynard and LaPorte City.
While in Maynard she met Ralph, and later they married, February 16, 1947, at her parents’ home in Lansing. Dodie continued teaching until moving back to Lansing with her husband, Ralph. Together they had three children, Steve, Sue, and Bill. While raising her children, she tutored homebound children locally. In 1962, she returned to teaching full time. She taught both elementary school and special education at Eastern Allamakee Schools and retired after more than 25 years of teaching. She especially cherished her special needs students in and out of the classroom.
Dodie was a member of the United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, volunteered at Thornton Manor, and served in many other organizations at church, school, and in the community.
Dodie enjoyed her family, the “Jones girls,” and her many friends. She loved to travel with Ralph, especially on KBSB Heritage Club trips where she met many new friends. She sang in the church choir and Sweet Adelines. She spent many hours knitting and playing Bingo while at Thornton Manor.
Dodie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her parents, Mildred and Albert Kehr; a sister, Jeanne Wilde; and her daughter, Suzanne “Sue”.
Dodie is survived by her two sons, Steve and Bill; five grandchildren, Sandy, Scot, Cheryl, Mark, and Jeff; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
A special thank you to Thornton Manor and staff for the wonderful care while there.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
