Doris E. Gathman, 90, Hartley

A memorial service for Doris E. Gathman was held Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Grace Fellowship Church in Hartley, with Pastor Jamie Negus officiating.

Honorary pallbearers were Timothy Mielke, Shanna Brandt, Nathan Rowe, Angela Wacker, Heather Rowe, Robyn Davis, William Vander Naald, Joshua Gathman, Melissa Gathman, Elisha Thomas, Rachel Wacker and Breanna Vortherms. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Doris Elaine Gathman was born in Cedar Rapids on April 2, 1933, to Walter S. and Mildred L. (Stelck) Stoneking. She spent her early years in Wayne, Neb., moving with her family to Paullina when she was 10 years old. She continued her education there, graduating from Paullina High School.

Doris was united in marriage to Eldon Robert “Bob” Gathman on Nov. 14, 1950, at Worthington, Minn. Following Bob’s honorable discharge from military service, they began farming south of Hartley. Five children would complete their family: Derrita, Belinda, Mary, Steven and Teresa.

Not one to sit idle, Doris found great satisfaction in contributing where she could. For several years she volunteered at the local library, bringing Hartley’s history up to date. She loved being around people, visiting with them and helping out as needed. Doris was also blessed with a “green thumb.” She had always enjoyed gardening and taking care of plants.

First and foremost to Doris were her children and grandchildren. She loved each of them dearly and was proud of their accomplishments. She looked forward to visits from them and hearing all about what they’d been up to. Being an avid cribbage player, Doris passed her love for the game down to her kids and grandkids as well. For many years she had been part of a group who met at the Hartley Public Library once a week to visit and play cribbage.

With all her children by her side, Doris passed away at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. She was 90 years of age.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Derrita and Mike Mielke, of Everly; Belinda Rowe, of Landrum, S.C.; Mary and Art Vander Naald, of Burnside, Ky.; Steven and Rene Gathman of Pierce, Neb.; and Teresa and Lon Wacker, of Hartley; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; other family and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gathman; daughter-in-law, Cindy Gathman; her parents, Walter and Mildred Stoneking; and her brother, Thomas Stoneking.