March 29, 2024

Dorothy Louise Buchmeier

Dorothy Louise Buchmeier of Grinnell died Monday, June 30, 2014, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center at the age of 93 years, 6 months and 24 days.

She was born on Dec. 6, 1920, on a farm near Newton to John (Jack) and Marie Schenk Wyss. She had one brother, William J. Wyss, whom along with her parents, preceded her in death. She attended Newton Schools and graduated with honors from Newton High School in 1938. She taught country school in several communities in the Newton area and finally at Rock Creek #3, which adjoined the Buchmeier family farm, located west of Rock Creek Lake. It was during that time that she met her husband, John, who was the bachelor just up the hill from the country school house. They married in March of 1941. The couple became parents of two children, Harold (Susan) Buchmeier of Russellville, Ark., and Phyllis (Jerry) Reidof Grinnell. They farmed the family farm until 1964, when they relocated to Grinnell where John retired and Dorothy was employed at Grinnell College. Dorothy loved being outdoors, gardening and especially raising chickens. John passed away in September of 1970.

Dorothy is also survived by her four grandchildren, Michael Reidof Grinnell, Daniel (Sandra) Reid of Martelle, Jenna (Conley) Nash of Iowa City and Christy (Josh) Christiansen of Russellville, Ark.; and six great-grandchildren, Alexander, Ian and Cuyler Reid,  Liam Nash and Ethan and Kaylee Christiansen.

Dorothy was a devoted mother and grandmother, whose home was affectionately known as the “house of yes” to her grandchildren, with which she spent countless hours, reading, experimenting and learning. She was a strong advocate of education and a lover of all kinds of music and could find joy in the simple things in life. Dorothy was a hard worker who placed little value on material things and enjoyed her life with what mattered most to her — her family and her church. She was proud to say she helped all four of her grandchildren obtain their four-year college degrees. Dorothy had a wonderful mind and loved to read and journal. She loved her home in Grinnell and was so happy and thankful that she was allowed to remain in her own home until the onset of her illness on June 26 that led up to her death. She especially enjoyed her visits with her loyal friend, Jean Frana, who frequently stopped in for a chat. She remained alert until the morning of her day of departure from this earth, when she lovingly expressed her final wishes to her daughter; sang two short songs in German and articulately recited a tongue-twister to Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s ICU staff  — and then entered hospice care and released her spirit to her Heavenly Father.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 5 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grinnell. The family will greet guests beginning at 10 a.m. Casket bearers will be Michael Reid, Daniel Reid, Alex Reid, Ian Reid, Conley Nash and Joshua Christiansen. Honorary bearers will be Liam Nash and Ethan Christiansen. Burial will be at Memorial Garden’s Cemetery in Newton following the service and luncheon.  Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church’s music department or to an educational program of their choice.