Dorothia Walte

Dorothia F. Walte, 94, of Keokuk, Iowa, died at 9:48 AM, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Keokuk Area Hospital. Dorothia was born June 8, 1917, in Oakland, California, the daughter of James and Violet Suarez Preston. She married Joseph B. Walte on July 11, 1937, in Reno, Nevada. He preceded her in death on March 2, 2003. Dorothia had lived in Keokuk since 1946. She was a homemaker but had also worked as a secretary at Walte Construction Company and later as a part-time cook at several restaurants. Early in her life she was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Dorothia had been a faithful member of the Keokuk Church of the Nazarene for over 20 years. As long as she was able, she enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School and was always ready to help with dinners and anything that involved serving. She also enjoyed sending greeting cards. She and former Pastor Grant Foster had a special bond - "The Cubs Baseball Team". When she would go to Chicago on vacation there was always Cub's memorabilia on his desk after she returned. When her children were growing up she served as Girl Scout and Boy Scout volunteer and leader. She was very involved with Special Olympics and in 199...[more]

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he received Volunteer of the Year Award from Lexington Square. She was a very devoted mother to her children and especially to her daughter Tracy. She is survived by three sons, Milton Walte and his wife Marilyn of Keokuk, Ed Walte and his wife, Maxine of Keokuk and Bill Walte and his wife Carole of Oroville, California; two daughters, Violet Miles of Hoffman Estates, Illinois and Tracy Walte of Keokuk; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Preston, and a grandson, Edward John Walte. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Monday, October 24, 2011, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau with Rev. Dana Jurgens officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa Visitation will be after 3:00 P.M., Sunday, October 23, 2011 at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau Street with family meeting friends from 6 to 8 Sunday evening. Memorials may be made to Keokuk Catholic Schools, Church of the Nazarene or to donor's choice.