In loving memory of

Dorothy May Alpers
August 5, 1929 - August 24, 2011

Dorothy M. Alpers, 82, Bettendorf, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 24, 2011.

A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, August 28, 2011, from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa. A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Saturday, August 27, 2011, from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa. A private burial will be held from the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Dorothy was born on August 5, 1929, in Van Horne, Iowa, daughter of Lyle and Lois (Waddle) Colston. A 1946 graduate of Vinton High School, she married Harold Alpers February 9, 1947 at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton. Harold and Dorothy celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.

While in Maquoketa Dorothy had been an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Maquoketa Women's Club, and American Field Service (AFS).

If there was one absolutely abiding belief in Dorothy's life it was the strong and fervent belief in family. Her beautiful home was filled with photographs of family members, family members long gone as well as those still with us, and she made sure everyone who visited her home felt welcomed and loved.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Bobbi Alpers (Kurt Ullrich) of Maquoketa, IA, Peggy Martin (Charles) of Oak Lawn, IL, Mikel Alpers of Elk Grove Village, IL and AFS daughter (1969), Pawana Chantawan Hongmanop of Bangkok, Thailand; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Messmer (Kyle), Nicholas Martin (Carrie), and Nathan Martin; great granddaughter Kelsey Messmer; a sister Virginia Albright (Ray) of Friendswood, TX; sisters-in-law, Mae (Don) Wilhelmi of Atkins, IA and Joan (Orville) Schrage of Vinton, IA; a brother-in-law, Russell Alpers of West Palm Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-and-mother-in-law, her brother, Charles Robert Colston, and several brothers-in law and sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church, 1809 Mississippi Boulevard, Bettendorf, IA 52722-4956.

"The family would like to thank all of those persons who were involved in Dorothy's care during her final months."

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Mikel wrote on Apr 13, 2012:

"Mom, thinking of you and Dad a lot this week. I wanted to say how much I and the girls miss you. Not a day goes by without my thoughts turning to you and Dad and missing a phone call or a trip to IA to see you both. I know that you watch over us and are safe in heaven with Dad. Unitl we meet again, know that you both live on within our hearts. "

Tammy Burris Graeme wrote on Aug 31, 2011:

"Mikel, Bobbie, Peggy and Harold, I just watched the video of Dorothy's Memorial Service. What a wonderful tribute to her life. Libby and Kurt gave such moving memories and life lessons. Your Mom was a wonderful lady! She will be missed by all! My heart goes out to all of you with my prayers of peace."

Patsy Krantz wrote on Aug 28, 2011:

"Harold and family, Was so sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing. I remember her as a very friendly, nice person. Cherish the Love shared and the Memories made, for these keep our Loved ones with us forever in our Hearts. My deepest sympathy to you all."

Stephanie Blair wrote on Aug 27, 2011:

"Mike, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Your mother was a beautiful & special lady who raised a great family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stephanie "

Lois Fischer wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Bobbi and Family, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Comfort You, We can never be separated from those we love... because God leaves us with memories to hold and love. You're in the hearts of others who care about you and pray for you as God eases your sorrow and replaces it with sweet memories. In Sympathy"

Dean & Karen Tilton wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Dear Harold, Bobbi,Peggy & Mike, Karen and I were deeply saddened to hear of Dorothy's death. If ever the addage 'still water runs deep' defined someone, it was personified in Dorothy. We have so appreciated the quiet friendship of Dorothy and Harold. Ever ready to help in any situation, their contribution to Maquoketa over the many years has been invaluable. We are thinking of all of you and sharing in your sorrow. Harold, she was a special lady and the two you you were a special couple. Sincerely, Dean and Karen"

Paul & Brenda Koob wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Mike and Family, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. It is difficult to lose a loving parent. Our thoughts are with you all. "

Mark Kinrade wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Harold and family, I was so sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing, but I am happy she is at peace and is no longer suffering from that terrible disease. It's always hard to say good-bye and our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days and weeks ahead. Take comfort in the fact that through your faith you know she is with Jesus in Heaven. I so wish I was able to share this with you in person. I am unable to be there for the services, but be assured I will be thinking of you all often."

LeAnn (Meade) McCallister wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Harold, Bobbi, Peggy & Mike The world has truely lost a most wonderful lady. She was always so friendly and I never remember her without a smile on her face. Keep all of the loving memories of her close to your hearts and she will always be with you. Dorothy will be greatly missed by all who knew her."

Sharon Rockwell-Adams wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Bobbi and family, Thinking of you during this time. "

Lori Smith wrote on Aug 26, 2011:

"Harold, I have always thought of Dorothy as a beautiful and distinguished woman, and most importantly, I admire her for being such a strong "Fareway wife & mother". I truly enjoyed all of the Fareway wife memories she shared with me. Blessings and love to your entire family, "

Chris Welch McNeely wrote on Aug 25, 2011:

"Peggy you are in my thoughts and prayers... at this difficult time "

Wayne & Barbara Mayberry wrote on Aug 25, 2011:

"To all of the Alpers family â?? We are sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a lovely lady. We will be out of town this weekend so wonâ??t be able to attend the services. Our prayers will be with you all."

Nancy Ambrozi wrote on Aug 25, 2011:

"Harold and family My thought and prayers go out to you all. I'm sure Dorothy will be greatly missed...she was such sweet precious lady. If I can help in any way please let me know."

Jo Yanda wrote on Aug 25, 2011:

"I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing, Mike. I will try to come by the visitation, and give you a hug. My sympathy to the rest of your family as well. "

Michael Jones wrote on Aug 25, 2011:

"Mike and family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mom. If there anything Margie or I can do for you please let us know. Your friends, Michael and Margie Jones"

Carol (Devine) Goebel wrote on Aug 25, 2011:

"Harold,Bobbie,Peggy & Mike, You have my deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of your wife/Mom and she was a beautiful lady inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Carol"

John & Twyla Hinz Morton,IL. wrote on Aug 24, 2011:

"Harold and family, You have our deepest sympathy and please know you are all in our prayers. Dorothy was a very kind person and I know will be greatly missed."