"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Ulvestad, as I called her, is the reason I got into education. She was my 2nd grade teacher in Northwood and later she allowed me to come work in her room as a senior in high school. She always had a smile on her face and a hug to give. I think of her often and hope I am half the educator she was. Nicole Patton (Devens) "
In loving memory of
Doris Diane Ulvestad
February 6, 1938 - March 30, 2019
Doris D. Ulvestad age 81, of Ames, Iowa passed away March 30, 2019 at Northridge Village in Ames, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 4- 6:00 p.m. followed by a brief memorial service on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa.
Doris was born on February 6, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa the daughter of Leonard and Alice Lane Kinrade. She married Gene Ulvestad on August 17, 1958 in Maquoketa. The couple lived in Estherville and Cedar Rapids before settling in Ames, Iowa. Doris received her Teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Upon moving to Ames, she obtained her bachelor's degree from Iowa State University, and later her master's from Drake. Doris taught for over 25 years in the Ames Public Schools as a second-grade teacher at Northwood Elementary School. Doris enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, shopping and book clubs with friends and family. She also was known for her photography, gardening, quilting, sewing and cooking; always ready to gather her family for any special event.
Doris is survived by her husband, Gene Ulvestad, son, Phil Ulvestad, daughters, Julie (Bill) Chafin, Angela (Tom) Newton, grandchildren, Andrew (Katie) Ulvestad, Elle (Connor) Walsh, Aaron Ulvestad, Nicolette Chafin, William "Billy" Chafin, Nick Newton and Jessica Newton; sister Marilyn (Allen) Paulsen, brothers, Jim (Sandra) Kinrade and Bill (Jo) Kinrade. She will also be missed dearly by her two step-grandchildren, Calvin Jennings and Macy Wing.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Austin Jacob Ulvestad.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Ames First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I had the honor of working with Diane for several years at Northwood-I knew she was a wonderful teacher, but I didn't realize how wonderful until my daughter was in her class. My daughter had recently been diagnosed with diabetes which was hard-Diane just took her in hand, treated her as a typical child-really helped our family deal with the pain of this disease by normalizing it. I will never forget this gift she gave us. "
"Dear Gene We recently heard your dear wife had passed. We only knew you both in passing when we visited my mother Mary Sampson at Northridge Village. We do know what a faithful husband you were to Doris with your daily visits and all the long walks you took her on. We know you brought her such joy by her beautiful big smiles. May your good memories bring you peace. Mark & Sandy Huisman"
"Doris was a great teacher and friend! I was in the Media Center at Northwood when she taught there. She taught them good citizenship as well as their basic eduction. a She was also a wonderful teacher for both our children, Anne and David Chalstrom."
"This is from Daniela and Joe. We always enjoyed spending time with her when your parents came to visit. She we a bright light, always a smile for everybody she came in contact with. A beautiful and wonderful caring classy lady. We miss her so much. We love you and please accept our deepest sympathy. "
"Julie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of you Mom. I hope you can find comfort in your memories and the friends and family who surround you. With Love Lynn Cothron (from Julie's Medtronic family)."