Dorothy Gingerich

Dorothy (Swartzendruber) Gingerich, 93, of Kalona, died Sunday, October 31, 2021, at her home following a lengthy illness. A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 10:30 AM at Kalona Mennonite Church with Pastor Josh Lundberg officiating. The service will be available via Livestream at the Kalona Mennonite Facebook page. Burial will follow at the South Gingerich Cemetery in rural Kalona. Masks are required at visitation and at the service. The family will greet friends from 4 – 7 PM, Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Kalona Mennonite Church.

Dorothy Jane Gingerich was born July 5, 1928, near Noble, Iowa, the daughter of Lee and Emma (Wyse) Swartzendruber. She attended Eicher and Stringtown rural schools. While at home she helped her folks with their sorghum-making business. Dorothy worked at Maplecrest Turkey Plant before she was married. On June 12, 1956, she was united in marriage to Cleo V. “Butch” Gingerich at Bethel Mennonite Church near Wayland. Dorothy did childcare in her home and did house cleaning and childcare for folks in their homes. Dorothy was baptized in Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, attended Bethel Mennonite and Iowa City Mennonite Churches, and was currently a member of Kalona Mennonite Church. While she was still able, she participated in the women’s sewing groups at church. She enjoyed crocheting and volunteering at school when the children were little.

Survivors include two children: Marsha (Arlis) Diener of Kansas City, KS, Vaughn Gingerich of Kalona, a number of nieces and nephews, and one sister Wilma Knepp of Iowa City.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, her husband Cleo in 2011, a stillborn brother, and one sister Arlene Troyer.