Doriene Maude (Crouse) Neill

Doriene C Neill, 89, of Indianola (formerly of Kalona, IA) died February 14, 2025, at the Village in Indianola. Doriene Maude Crouse was born December 15, 1935, on the family farm near Prescott, IA, the daughter of Eliza CC Ogan and Chester A Crouse Sr. She graduated as Valedictorian for the class of 1954 Clearfield, and won a 4-year scholarship to Simpson College in Indianola. While at Simpson, she met fellow musician Lambert E Neill Jr. After graduating in 1958 and teaching one year - Doriene at Greenfield and Lambert at Iowa Falls, they married in August of 1959 in Clearfield. Their married life took them to Bayard, Urbandale, and finally to Kalona. Doriene worked as a linotype setter for various newspapers, gave piano lessons, was her son’s cub scout den leader, and worked as a teller/assistant vice-president of the local bank.

Doriene was very active in all the communities that they lived in. She was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, Lioness Club, Kalona Garden Club, Kalona Historical Society, Mid-Prairie Music Boosters, Indianola Village Sewing Club and Village Library Board. Doriene was a voracious reader, played piano for many years for various church functions and events, gardened, and sewed. After her husband passed away in 2008, Doriene moved to the Wesley Life Village in Indianola, IA where she had an independent apartment and became involved with the activities there.

Doriene is survived by her 3 children: Lambert III, Laurel (Kent) Halstead, and Thomas; 2 grandchildren: Taylor (Emily) Halstead, and Zachary (Casey) Halstead; and 3 great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Brooks, and Lincoln Halstead

Doriene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Bertlyn Johnston, and a brother-in-law Robert Johnston.

The family will be having a private graveside ceremony later this spring. In remembrance and honor of Doriene, please visit and support your local library.