Dorothy DeValois ’44 Wynia

Dorothy DeValois ’44 Wynia passed away May 17, 2018, at Bethany Manor in Story City, IA. A celebration of life will be held in Rock Valley, IA, at a later date. Dorothy was born Oct. 10, 1922 on a farm south of Boyden to Anna Scholten and Edgar DeValois. Her father was killed in a farm accident when she was 3 1/2 years old necessitating a move for her, her mother, and her younger sister into Boyden to the home of her maternal grandmother, Hendrijkan Scholten, who was in need of care. Dorothy graduated from Boyden High School. She continued her education at Hope College in Holland, MI, for two years. She taught for four years in NW IA before moving to Des Moines to finish her degree while teaching in Madrid and then Johnston. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University in January of 1949. On June 4, 1947 Dorothy married Charles (Chuck) Wynia at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. After living in many communities around the state they returned to live in NW IA settling in Rock Valley in 1956. Dorothy and Chuck had four children and were very active in the community. Dot enjoyed following her children’s activities, teaching in the Rock Valley Community School District, being active in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School, being in a church circle, and volunteering many places once she retired from teaching. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband and sister Harriet (Earl) Warne. She is survived by her sister Merry (Hal) Wissink; 4 children JoAnn (Jerry, deceased) Slater, Tom (Mary) Wynia, Jean (Craig) Stoermer, and Karen (Joe) Hamilton; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Dot requested memorial contributions be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rock Valley. Soderstrum Funeral Home in Story City is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and may be shared at www.soderstrumfuneralhome.com © 2018 Soderstrum Reimers Inc