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Dorla Jean (Hartzell) Paaske, age 89 of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Eagle Point Health Care. In following Dorla’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. There will be no visitation. A private graveside family gathering will be held at a later date at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Dorla was born in rural Audubon County, near Exira, Iowa on January 4, 1934, the daughter of Donald and Edna (Gude) Hartzell. Her family located to Clinton when she was six. She attended Clinton Schools and graduated from Clinton High School, class of 1952. Dorla became the first quadruple winner in the history of the Clinton Tennis Association city tournament in her teens. She was employed at several businesses including the Curtis Company, E.I. DuPont, American Family Insurance and at the University of Iowa Neuro Surgery Department for Dr. Russell Meyer.
Dorla married her high school sweetheart, Louis R. Paaske, on February 1, 1958 at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Lou was employed by Ralston Purina after graduation from the University of Iowa. They were transferred to five different locations in the Midwest where they raised three children.
Dorla loved gardening and she had many flower pots, urns, and in ground plants which were her favorites. Quilting and collecting artifacts were another passion. She always cared and helped others which was important to her. For 50 years she and Lou spent summers at their Perch Lake cabin in Sawyer County, Winter, Wisconsin with family and friends. She was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan, loved their dogs and was involved with the Clinton Humane Society for many years.
Dorla is survived by her husband, Lou; 3 children, Kimberly, Kevin, and Keli; 3 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Duane and Larry. Her family gives great thanks to the Eagle Point Health staff who took outstanding care of her. Memorials can be made to Eagle Point on her behalf. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
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Lou and family I just heard. I’m so sorry, she was a great neighbor to my husband and I for years. Lou I am so sorry for you loss! Please know you are in my prayers!
Thanks Laura. We had many neighbor years together. DJ always enjoyed your yard decorations on the holidays.
Keli – No consolation at the time of a loss like this but I’m so pleased for you, your brother and sister that your mom lived a long, full life and your dad is still with all of you.
Give one another the hugs you deserve and trust your mother still shares in all of your happiness and well-being. Hope you are doing ok as we age ourselves.
Thanks so much Mike, your words are appreciated. Hope you and your family are doing well.
I met Dorla and Lou while working at Deja Vu in downtown Clinton. Always enjoyed when they came in and I would show her our Hawkeye items and cardinal items. Dorla was a sweetheart and I enjoyed talking with her and meeting family members she brought in.
May her family find peace and comfort in their memories of Dorla.
Mom had an affinity for cardinals, I will think of her every time I see one. Appreciate your kind words.
So sorry for your loss enjoyed working at Ralston when you were plant mgr you were the best one we had. Dorla was a nice person will miss seeing you out and about when we was eating somewhere
Thank you Bonnie and Hank, appreciate your memories.
What a caring & wonderful person! She was always thinking of others and was an inspiration to everyone. Her gardening was her passion in which many times she would spend countless hours. A labor of love. You would think the cabin on Perch lake was strictly for relaxing but only after the yard & landscaping were attended. This is what made it such a beautiful place, thanks to Dorla & her Husband Lou. I visited there many times & was always a welcome guest. Let’s not forget about her cooking. Yep, the food was great too.
We are all going to miss her. I wish the best for Lou, Kim, Kevin & Keli and the rest of the family as they mourn the loss of a wife & mother.?
Love this Ray, she will me greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of your loss! Prayers for you and your family and my God bless in your time of need!
Thank you, Dwayne.