Dorothy M. Etzel

Dorothy M. Etzel, 96 of Sioux City, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at a local hospital. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2016 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Reverend Todd Schlitter officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 13th at the church from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Dorothy was born December 20, 1919, in LeMars, IA, the daughter of Charles and Claribel (Schrooten) Begg. She often told wonderful stories of her childhood surrounded by her close-knit family of three brothers and two sisters. Dorothy graduated from LeMars High School and immediately started teaching country school in Plymouth County. She graduated from Westmar College in LeMars where she met and fell in love with Herman F. Etzel. They were married on June 12, 1948. After college they moved to Onawa, IA, where Herman began his teaching career and together they started a family. In 1954, the couple moved to Sioux City where they lived in Leeds for the remainder of their years. Dorothy and Herman have three sons, Don, Bob, and David. Dorothy resumed teaching in the Sioux City School District in 1968 at Washington Elementary School. She loved the challenges and joys of working with sixth grade students through the years and retired from teaching in 1984. Herman and Dorothy enjoyed their retirement years by traveling with friends around the globe and visiting family. Dorothy was a woman of deep Christian faith and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 62 years. She developed many life-long friendships in the church while active in Couples Club, Women’s Society and District United Methodist Women. Dorothy enjoyed her many years as a member of the Lioness Club.

Dorothy is reunited with her beloved husband Herman and will be lovingly remembered by her sons; Don (Shelley), Lafayette, CO; Bob (Karen), Toledo, IA; David, Sioux City; her cherished grandchildren, Emelia Oleson, Ashley Grandstaff, Ryan Etzel, Caleb Etzel, Wyatt Etzel, Caitlin Etzel, Matt Etzel and five beautiful great-grandchildren Rhiannon, Scarlett, Phinneaus, Calix, and Norah.

A dedicated and loving person, Dorothy will be remembered for her love of God and family, and her caring and helpful nature.

Casket Bearers for the service will be Ryan Etzel, Caleb Etzel, Wyatt Etzel, Matthew Etzel, Caitlin Etzel, Josh Grandstaff, and Blake Oleson.