Dorothy Studer

A funeral service for Dorothy Studer, of Corwith was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at the Renwick Baptist Church in Renwick. Burial was at the Corwith Cemetery in Corwith. A visitation was held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the Corwith Community Center.

Dorothy Mae, daughter of Jake and Vestus (Whitehurst) Leerar, was born March 13, 1935. She grew up on a farm near Stilson, Iowa with her parents and three siblings. She attended country school in her early years and was a member of 4-H. She graduated from Corwith High School with the Class of 1952. Dorothy then obtained her business degree from Hamilton College.

Dorothy was united in marriage with Gary Studer, January 6, 1954, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Stilson, Iowa. The couple lived in New Jersey and Arizona while Gary was stationed in the Army. After his time serving they settled on a farm near Corwith, Iowa. They started their family in 1956 when Paul was born followed by Debra in 1958.

Dorothy was a hard working farm wife and her husband's best hired hand. She enjoyed being outdoors, tending to her garden and many beautiful flowers. During lunchtime she enjoyed bird watching while on her third pot of coffee. She served as a member of Royal Neighbors and spent countless hours knitting prayer shawls, giving comfort to many in the community. One of Gary and Dorothy's favorite pastimes was square dancing in Eagle Grove. Some of her hobbies included canning vegetables, painting china, making candles, and knitting for her family and friends. She was active in the Corwith and Renwick Baptist churches, being a member of the Baptist Women's Circle and volunteering her time as a Sunday School teacher. 

Dorothy and Gary were proud of the home they built together, raising their two children and watching them build families of their own. Dorothy enjoyed having sleepovers with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing dress up, dancing the chicken dance and listening to the Beach Boys. She also spent countless hours on the floor farming with her grandsons.

Dorothy died Feb. 15, 2024, at her home with her beloved husband and family at her side. She was 88.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Gary, of Corwith; son Paul (Roxanne) Studer of Corwith and their children Kristen(Tim) Fisher, Jenny(Micah) Smidt, Derek, and Megen; daughter Debra (Scott) Lamoreux of Britt and their children Spencer (Michelle) Hankins, Stephanie (Abraham) Sanchez, Shawna Hankins, and stepdaughter Mackenzie Lamoreux; and 9 great-grandchildren and 4 step great-grandchildren, Also surviving are Dorothy’s sister Deloris Fleming of Parker, CO, sister-in-law Donna Leerar of Britt, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents Jake and Vestus, parents-in-law Wilbur (Scoop) and Gladys Studer, brother Leonard Leerar, sister Audrey Meyers, brother-in-laws Bill Meyers and Tony Fleming.