Obituary of Dorothy Determan

Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy Determan, age 99, of Milford will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 2:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Milford. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. 

Dorothy Gertrude Determan, the daughter of Fred and Gertrude (Becker) Gruhn, was born on June 21, 1924, in Carroll, Iowa. Dorothy lived on a farm near Templeton, Iowa until moving to Spirit Lake in 1936. She went to country elementary school through eighth grade, and graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1943. After graduation, she attended a branch of school of Cedar Falls during the summer. She started teaching country school that fall. She enjoyed working with all grades, and taught for three years, until she and Darial were married. Dorothy was united in marriage to Darial Determan on September 10, 1946, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Milford. The couple made their home on a farm west of Terril until they moved to Milford in the fall of 1982.

Dorothy's days were often spent not only caring for her home and children but also supporting Darial on the farm and assisting with the seed corn business.

In her free time, Dorothy discovered delight in a variety of activities. Whether engrossed in sewing projects, nurturing her garden, drinking strong black coffee, engaging in bridge club gatherings, or actively participating in the seed corn business, she wholeheartedly embraced the simple pleasures of life. Her baking added a sweet and memorable touch to numerous family gatherings and community events.

Dorothy passed away on December 17, 2023 at Accura Healthcare in Milford. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Dave (Kathy) Determan, Patty Determan, Mike (Kay) Determan; grandchildren: Jessi (Nick) Bradley, Lexy (Jens) Determan-Henningsen, John (Stephanie) Guthrie, Karl (Lynnann) Jensen, Krissy (Derek) Pfeifer, Sarah Jensen, Becky (Kyle) Fischer, and Josh (Ceselie) Rittenhouse; as well as many greatgrandchildren, a great-great grandson and many nieces, nephews. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Darial Determan, daughter, Michele Jensen, son-in-law, Robert Jensen and her parents.