- Born on: March 24, 1942
- Departed on: January 27, 2025
- Resided in: Melrose, IA
Judy Marie Dobberthein
Judy Marie (Horejsi) Dobberthein, 82, of Melrose passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025, at her Rathbun Lake home in Melrose, Iowa. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Judy was born March 24, 1942, in Cresco, Iowa to Telora (Rucker) Horejsi and Anton Horejsi. She grew up on a farm near Lime Springs, Iowa along with her siblings, learning how to work hard and love the land.
She graduated from Riceville High School in 1960 and moved to Des Moines to attend Cosmetology School where she met the love of her life, Larry Dobberthein. They married on May 26, 1962, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and they were blessed with two children, Cathy and Joseph.
They raised their family in Des Moines, Iowa but also designed and built a home at Rathbun Lake where they made happy memories and later retired to. Nearing retirement, they purchased a small farm near Confidence, Iowa where her love of farming was reignited. Judy managed the home and farm while Larry wrapped up his construction career.
Judy had a strong work ethic which anyone who knew her could attest. It was quite common for her to be working alongside Larry as they helped family, friends, neighbors, or anyone needing help with digging and trenching projects or wielding a chain saw to clear trees and brush or anything else needing to be done.
Judy enjoyed many hobbies including baking, cooking, bowling, crafting, sewing, gardening, and nature. She found pleasure in watching birds but especially hummingbirds from her dining room window and her deck. She always made sure the feeders were full and accessible for them. She loved to be outdoors and always had many flower beds and a large vegetable garden. She freely shared the produce with family and their many friends. It was a common occurrence for Judy to deliver baked goods and homemade candy to all the businesses she and Larry worked with during the year as a sign of friendship and gratitude for their efforts.
Judy is survived by her two children, Cathy (Chuck) Sinclair of Carlisle and Joseph Patrick (Tina) Dobberthein of Chariton; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; her sister, Mary Kay (Horejsi) Graham; and her brother Michael (Patricia) Horejsi; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Larry Dobberthein; her parents, Anton and Telora (Rucker) Horejsi; and her sister, Betty Jean (Horejsi) Regan.
Judy has been cremated, and a Celebration of Life service is planned for May 17, 2025. Additional details will be announced soon. Condolences may be sent to the family at 2412 178th Ln, Carlisle, Iowa 50047 or by visiting www.IowaCremation.com under Obituaries.
Judy was born March 24, 1942, in Cresco, Iowa to Telora (Rucker) Horejsi and Anton Horejsi. She grew up on a farm near Lime Springs, Iowa along with her siblings, learning how to work hard and love the land.
She graduated from Riceville High School in 1960 and moved to Des Moines to attend Cosmetology School where she met the love of her life, Larry Dobberthein. They married on May 26, 1962, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and they were blessed with two children, Cathy and Joseph.
They raised their family in Des Moines, Iowa but also designed and built a home at Rathbun Lake where they made happy memories and later retired to. Nearing retirement, they purchased a small farm near Confidence, Iowa where her love of farming was reignited. Judy managed the home and farm while Larry wrapped up his construction career.
Judy had a strong work ethic which anyone who knew her could attest. It was quite common for her to be working alongside Larry as they helped family, friends, neighbors, or anyone needing help with digging and trenching projects or wielding a chain saw to clear trees and brush or anything else needing to be done.
Judy enjoyed many hobbies including baking, cooking, bowling, crafting, sewing, gardening, and nature. She found pleasure in watching birds but especially hummingbirds from her dining room window and her deck. She always made sure the feeders were full and accessible for them. She loved to be outdoors and always had many flower beds and a large vegetable garden. She freely shared the produce with family and their many friends. It was a common occurrence for Judy to deliver baked goods and homemade candy to all the businesses she and Larry worked with during the year as a sign of friendship and gratitude for their efforts.
Judy is survived by her two children, Cathy (Chuck) Sinclair of Carlisle and Joseph Patrick (Tina) Dobberthein of Chariton; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; her sister, Mary Kay (Horejsi) Graham; and her brother Michael (Patricia) Horejsi; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Larry Dobberthein; her parents, Anton and Telora (Rucker) Horejsi; and her sister, Betty Jean (Horejsi) Regan.
Judy has been cremated, and a Celebration of Life service is planned for May 17, 2025. Additional details will be announced soon. Condolences may be sent to the family at 2412 178th Ln, Carlisle, Iowa 50047 or by visiting www.IowaCremation.com under Obituaries.
