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John Emil Bernard and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr

Born:             8 Aug 1893 in Military Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.1

Died:             7 Jul 1974 at the age of 80 in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Married:         19 Feb 1919 Gina Espeseth in Saint Paul, Ramsey Couty, Minnesota, USA.

Find A Grave:  Memorial #134578564 buried at Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Gina Espeseth, daughter of Claus E. and Funild Cornelia (Wemark) Espeseth.

Born:             26 Mar 1896 in ridgeway, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Died:             4 Dec 1980 at the age of 84 in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Find A Grave:  Memorial #134578564 buried at Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

John and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr

John was 25 and Gina 22 when they married in 1919. They are showing as farmers in the 1920 US Federal Census in Military Township.

In 1925 they are living in Bluffton Township (about 10 miles Northwest of Decorah) owning their farm valued at $7,200 with a $7,000 mortgage. This is where their two daughters were born in 1924 & 1925.  

By 1930 they had moved to Decorah where John worked as a carpenter. They must have sold their farm because they are now renting their home in Decorah.

By 1940 John is showing as a contractor, owning their own home valued at $4,000.

According to family stories, prior to 1915 John worked with his brother Theodore in the construction business before they split up and took on their own crews.

In 1930, his parents, William and Catherine Doerr, retired and John built their retirement home on a lot that they purchased in Ossian.

Newspaper Clippings

John Doerr to build home for parents April 24, 19302

John Doerr was over from Decorah the latter part of the week on business says the Ossian Bee. he will build the new home for his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Doerr, on the site which they recently purchased from the Hanna McManus estate on the east end of Main street [Ossian]. When the old structure was razed. it was intended to begin excavation for the cellar immediately, but frost more than three feet deep under the old house delayed the work. Ordinarily one would assume that a house would serve as a protection against frost, but not so in this case. There was no frost anywhere else on the lot.

John Doerr
John Doerr confirmation.
John Doerr and Gina Espeseth Wedding 19 Feb 1919.
John Doerr and Gina Espeseth Wedding - 19 Feb 1919.
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New 4-H Building at Decorah to be completed July 21, 19393

New 4-H Building At Decorah
To Be Completed For Fair

DECORAH––The contract for erection of a 4-H boys’ livestock clun building on the Winneshiek County fairgrounds here was awarded to John Doerr Thursday night at a price slightly under $3,503. The building will be 28 by 160 feet and will accommodate 150 head of livestock.

Subscriptions for the project approximate $2,250. The building is to be completed for occupancy when the fair will open

Purchase Two Lots from Decorah Board July 24, 19394

Purchase Two Lots From Decorah Board

DECORAH–– John Doerr has purchased a lot in Morningside addition of the city of Decorah from the board of supervisors for $200. A lot abutting Broadway and part of Linn street was also purchased from the board for $250 by Attorney Charles Dickens.

Foundation Work Completed on 4-H Barn August 3, 19395

Foundation work was completed Thursday on the big 148×58 foot 4-H barn at the Winneshiek county fair grounds, says the Decorah Journal, and completion of the structure will be rushed by John Doerr, contractor. Assurance has been given that the barn will be completed several days ahead of time so that the 4-H exhibits can be properly and attractively housed this year.

Homes Listed December 31, 19396

Homes Listed

Building permits have been issued for new homes as follows: Carl Hanson, $6,000; Oscar Tovson, $4,200; A. Heckman, $5,195, H.´. Peterson, $7,500; H.´. Ellingson, $6,000; Earl Aahrndt, $5,900; Nels Hattlestad, $3,500; T. L. Rosholt, $5,500; T. O. Tolo, $4,600; A. J. Headington, $4,800; Mrs. Opstedahl, $3,000; Dale Woodmansee, $2,800; Raymond Holt, $3,900; C. Gilbert Nesheim, $3,000; W. B. Ingvoldstad, two at $3,000 each, one at $3,800; John Doerr, three at $4,000, $2500 and $4,500; C. R. Waldeland, $5,500.

Ground Broken at Decorah for $50,000 Building August 10, 19477

Ground Broken at Decorah for $50,000 Building
(Courier Special Service)

Decorah, Ia.––Friday, ground was broken for a combined business and apartment building by Ål Weis of Decorah Motor car company. Located south of the Upper Iowa bridge on Highway 52, facing the State road, it will be 66 by 100 feet. Part of the front will be devoted to a penthouse type apartment.

Entrance to the shop will be from the north side and the showroom will occupy the southeast corner.

The estimated cost is $50,000, the largest private construction started here since the war. John Doerr, the contractor expects to have it ready for occupancy by Nov. 1.

On the state road in the Fifth ward R. W. Klinker, Ford representative, is erecting a 33 by 66 foot warehouse to cost $6,500. The A. R. Coffee company has the contract. On a long time building project, Klinker is also contemplating the building of a foundation for a modern garage for his business.

Doerr Buys Nesvick Forty Near Calmar August 4, 19488

Doerr Buys Nesvick Forty Near Calmar

CALMAR –– Clarence Nesvick has sold 40 improved acres to John Doerr of Decorah. He will take possession of the place located three miles north of Calmar on Dec.1.

Mr. and Mrs. Nesvik will move to Calmar.

John Emil Bernard Doerr Obituary July 8, 19749

JOHN DOERR

DECORAH––Services for John Doerr, 80, who died Sunday at a decorah hospital, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Elks Club in Decorah; burial in the Phelps Cemetery; survivors include his wife, Gina Espeseth Doerr; two daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Winger of Decorah and Mrs. Virgil Rosendahl of Mount Vernon; friends may call at the Olson-Fjelstul Funeral Home.

Gina (Espeseth) Doerr Obituary December 198010

Mrs. Gina Doerr, former teacher, dies at age 84.

Gina Doerr, a Decorah housewife and former teacher, died Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Base Haugen Home at the age of 84.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec 6 at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. Pastor Paul Christenson conducted the service and organist William Kuhlman accompanied the congregation in hymns.

Burial was at Phelps Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Louie Beer, Donald Einck, Reginald Moellers, Keith Rosendahl, Brian Rosendahl, David Hjelmeland, Lyle Nall and Norman Zimmerman. Olson-Fjeistul Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Doerr was born Gina Espeseth on March 26,1896 in Ridgeway to Claus and Gunhild (Remark) Espeseth. She graduated from Valier’s Business school and also attended Upper Iowa University of Fayette. She was married in February, 1919 to John Doerr. Mrs. Doerr taught school in Winneshiek County and Flandreau, S.D.

She is survived by two children: Dorisgene (Mrs. Lloyd Winger) of Decorah and Arlawayne (Mrs. Virgil Rosendahl) of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one sister, Amelia Hjelmeland of Decorah.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

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John Doerr the Carpenter

The following photos were found in family papers.  It appears he was interested in antiques and restoring them in his workshop. The note at the bottom of the photo of the spinning wheel states  “John Doerr was a carpenter who designed and constructed buildings in the Decorah area including Nob Hill.”   

John Doerr family papers

QUICK KIDS, WHAT are these things? Old timers will recognize these things belonging to John Doerr as a spinning wheel, a Coffee grinder and a grain cradle. The spinning wheel sporting an American flag is in working condition. The cradle was bought by Doerr and restored in his workshop. Imagine harvesting 40 acres of grain by hand: it would be a sure way to cut surpluses, however. [source unknown]

John Doerr

Census and Records for John and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr

It’s important to note that the information collected on Census records may have been provided by any of the household members and sometimes even a neighbor. Interpretation of information was up to the census taker. Spelling was often written phonetically and the handwriting sometimes difficult to transcribe.

1920 US Federal Census, Military Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, supervisor’s District No. 4, Enumeration District No. 173, Sheet No. 12B, Enumerated on 27th Day of January, 1920. Line No. 60. [As memtioned, parents William and Catherine Doerr are living with them while John builds their retirement home in Ossian]. 11

  • John E. Doerr, head, Renting Farm, age: 26, married, able to read and write: yes, birthplace: Iowa, Fathers birthplace: Iowa, Mothers birthplace: Iowa, speaks english: yes, occupation: Farmer, industry: general farm, employment type: working on own account.
  • Gina Doerr, wife, age: 24 married, can read and write: yes, birthplace: Iowa, Fathers birthplace: Norway, Toungue of father: Norwegean, Mothers birthplace: Germany, Tongue of Mother: German, speaks english: yes, occupation: none.
  • William Doerr, father, age: 63, married, can read and write: yes, birthplace: Iowa, Fathers birthplace: Germany, Toungue of Father: German, Mothers birthplace: Germany, Toungue of Mother: German, Speaks Engliish: yes, occupation: none [retired].
  • Catherine Doerr, mother, age: 59, married, can read and write: yes, birthplace: Iowa,  fathers birthplace: France, Tongue of Father: French, Mothers birthplace: France, Toungue of mother: French, can speak english: yes, occupation: none. 

1925 Iowa State Census, Bloomfield-Decorah (2nd Ward, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA. Line No. 94.12

  • John E. Doerr, Head, age: 31, married, Own home, mortgaged, value: 7200, mortgage: 7000, highest grade completed: High School 9th.
  • Gina Doerr, wife, age: 28, married, highest grade completed: High School 10th.
  • Doresgene, daughter, age: 1.

1930 US Federal Census, 2nd Ward, Decorah, kWinneshiek County, Iowa, Enumeration district No. 96-10, Supervisor’s District No. 3, Sheet No. 6A. Enumberated on April 7, 1930. 205 Broadway, Line No. 29.13

  • John E. Doerr, Head, Renting, value: 20, Farm? no, age: 36, married, marriage age: 25, read and writes: yes, birthplace: Iowa, Fathers birthplace: Iowa, Mothers birthplace: Iowa,  speaks english: yes, occupation: Car;enter, industry: Building, worker class: wage, employers? yes, veteran? no.
  • Gina Doerr: Wife, age: 34, married, marriage age: 23, read and writes: yes, birthplace: Iowa, Fathers birthplace: Norway, Mothers birthplace: Iowa, speaks english: yes, occupation: none.
  • Doris G Doerr, daughter, age: 6, attending school: yes, birthplace: Iowa.
  • Arlawayne Doerr, daughter, age: 3 years 9 months, birthplace: Iowa.

1940 US Federal Census, Ward 2, Decorah City, Decorah Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, 321 E. Pershing St., S. D. No.k 4, E. D. No. 96-10, Sheet No. 9A, Enumerated on May 2, 1940.  Line  No. 26.14

  • John E. Doerr, Head, Own Home, value 4,000, farm? no, age: 46, married, highest grade completed: Elementary 8th, birthplace: Iowa, residence in 1935: same place,  at private work: yes, hours worked week prior to census: 60, occupation: Contractor, industry: Building Industry, Work Class: Own Account, weeks worked in 1939: 52.
  • Gina Doerr, Wife, age: 44, married, highlest grade completed: 2nd year of high school, birthplace: Iowa, residence in 1935: same place.
  • Dorisgene, daughter, age: 16, attending school: yes, highest grade complete, 2nd year of high school, birthplace: Iowa.
  • Arlawayne, daughter, age: 13, attending school: yes, highest grade complete: 7th grade elementary, birthplace: Iowa.

1942 WWII Draft Registration Card.15

  • John Emil Doerr, serial No. 223, residence: 321 Pershing Ave, Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, mailing address: same, Telephone: 921W, age: 48, birthdate: Aug 8th 1893, birthplace: Winneshiek County, Iowa, Name and address of person who will always know your address: Gina Doerr, 321 Perching Ave, Decorah, Ia. Employer info left blank. Description of Registrant: Height: 5’10 1/2”, Weight: 160, Blue Eyes, Brown Hair, Dark Complexion. Dated: Apr 27, 1942.
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John Emil Bernard and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr Children

  1. Dorisgene Doerr
    daughter of John and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr.

Born:             6 Jan 1924 in Bluffton Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.16

Died:             5 Jun 2008 at the age of 84 in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Married:         28 Dec 1960 Lloyd Harvey Winger in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Find A Grave: Memorial #133683757 buried at Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Lloyd Harvey Winger son of Oscar Jacobsen and Clara Silvia (Bentley) Winger.

Born:            9 Apr 1914 in Decorah Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Died:             30 Aug 1994 at the age of 80 in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Find A Grave: Memorial #133683816 buried at Lutheran Cemetery, decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Military:          U S Flag. U.S. Army WWII, 29 Dec 1943 to 9 Jan 1946..

Dorisgene Doerr - Luther College.
Dorisgene Doerr - Luther College.

Dorisgene was a schoolteacher who was very active in her community. After graduating from high school, she attended Luther College Teaching program and became a teacher. In 1955 Dorisgene and a fellow teacher, Lillian Dickman, built their own home. 

The following is a timeline of her activities that I found in newspapers clippings:

  • May 1941 High School Graduation, Decorah.
  • May 1943 Received her Teaching Certificate from Luther College, Decorah.
  • Aug 1943 Is placed at Ridgeway Elementary School, Decorah for her first teaching position.
  • Nov 1943 The Misses Harriet and Marjorie Hoffland, Doris Jean Brekkem, Dorisgene Doerr and Lillian Dickman, local teachers, spent the weekend in Minneapolis, Minn. The attended the Purdue-Mennesota Football game.
  • May 1947 Calmar School Faculty Signed, Dorisgene Doerr, 1st and 2nd grades.
  • Mar 1950 Dorisgene Doerr is in charge of Centennial pageant.
  • May 1950 Calmar School Faculty Signed, Dorisgene Doerr, 1st and 2nd grades.
  • Apr 1951 The senior class play “Finders Creepers” will be directed by Miss Dorisgene Doerr.
  • May 1953 The senior class musical comedy  “Waltz Time” will be directed by Miss Dorisgene Doerr.
  • Mar 1954 Dorisgene Doerr is a member of the women’s bowling team, and will attend the Iowa Women’s Bowling association tournament at Burlington, Iowa April 24.
  • Dec 1954 Winners in the Christmas Lighting Contest at Decorah. Second place prize of $20 will be awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Ringhdahl, Lillian Dickman and Dorisgene Doerr. Their entry consisted of their two quonset homes displayed as Christmas packages.
  • Feb 1955 The Oneota Bowling club won the Decorah Women’s City Bowling Tournament here [Decorah]. Dorisgene Doerr won top honors in the singles with a 578 score, teamed with Lucky Dickman, tied for first in doubles with a score of 1,004, and won the all-events prize with a score of 1,455 actual pins and 1,599 with handicap.
  • 1955 Dorisgene Doerr and Lillian Dickman build a five-room house in Decorah [see “Two Women Build Their Own House  below].
  • Dec 1955 Dorisgene, with her mother, Mrs. John Doerr, Calmar, hosts The North Calmar Township Hospital Unit’s annual Christmas party.
  • Jun 1956 Dorisgene Doerr directs tap dancing recital at the Decorah public school auditorium.

The House that Teachers Built December 25, 195517

Two Women Build Their Own House
By John Reynolds.
Gazette Sunday Editor.

DECORAH –– Although they are enjoying it now and are pretty well satisfied with the fruits of their own manual labor, neither Dorisgene Doerr or Lillian Dickman ever want to build another house.

“At its worst, school teaching is still easier – – -.” say the two Decorah teachers who last summer actually built their own house –– a handsome little one-story, five-room dwelling at 107 Spring street.

Miss Doerr, who teaches second grade in West Side school here, and miss Dickman, who teaches a rural school at Bluffton, nine miles northwest of Decorah, had made their home together for some time.

But they had always lived in apartments and apartment rents had been high. Looking at the matter from a  practical stand-point, they figured they could build a house and have something to show for their money –– something more than a receipt for the rent each month.

Father a Big Help

Having arrived at the decision to build, the young women found they had both moral and technical support from Miss Doerr’s father, John Doerr, a farmer near Calmar.

Had it not been for the encouragement they received from various persons and the technical assistance and actual work which Mr. Doerr put into the job, the teachers might not have been so successful, they readily admit.

After months of poring over home magazines and house plans for ideas, Dorisgene and Lillian finally roughed out a sketch of what they wanted for a home.

Mr. Doerr then stepped into the picture with real assistance. He scaled their plans into practical shape and they were ready to build.

Excavated in June.

Excavation for the house was begun June 6. And the teachers moved into the house Aug. 6 . . . into the basement, that is.

“Our time was up at the other place,” Miss Doerr explained, “and as long as we had some kind of roof over our heads we weren’t going to spend any more money in rent. We moved in and went right on working to finish the job.

By doing so much of the work themselves –– they personally spent more than 1,000 woman-hours on the job –– Miss Doerr and Miss Dickman believe they saved about $4,500. Mr. Doerr contributed more than 600 hours to the project.

The handsome little house, modern in every detail and tastefully decorated and furnished, today is valued by the owners at about $12,000 to $13,000.

Hired Some Work Done.

Even with Mr. Doerr’s help the young women still had to hire done such things as the excavation, the plumbing, heating, wiring.

And there were uncounted hours of aid from neighbors and friends who would drop over with a cooling drink and then stay to lend a hand for a little while here and there.

“Unluckily we drew the hottest summer in years to do the job in,” Miss Dickman remembers. “We almost baked on some of those days when the sun beat down on us while we worked.”

House is 30 by 35 Feet.

The Doerr-Dickman domicile measures about 30 by 35 feet, with the longest dimension facing Spring street. The lot on which the house was built is 55 feet wide by 137 1/2 feet long. 

Width will allow for the addition of a car port, when the teachers feel they can afford it, and for patio and garden in the rear.

The patio floor of concrete already has been laid. To decorate it, the teacher-builders set the bottom of a pail in the wet cement to make an outline and an impression –– and then painted these circles in yellow.

The Spring street house has probably the only yellow sidewalk in Decorah.

But that’s not a paint job. The sidewalk was laid with tinted cement.

Easy-to-Clean House.

The house was built with one particular thing in mind: Keep it simple and easy to care for and clean.

The teachers looked forward to having a house but, when they’re gone all day and Dorisgene teaches tap dancing some nights, they didn’t want housekeeping to be burdensome.

Floors throughout the house are linoleum tile.

The little house has lots of closet space and space is saved around the closet areas with the use of sliding doors. For the protection of their garments the teachers have one closet that is cedar-lined.

There’s a good deal of panel finishing on the walls, such as the redwood shadow wood in the living room. Sheetrock was used on the interior throughout the house.

All windows are a combination type made by the nearby Calmar Manufacturing Company.

Handy Arrangement.

Because both young women must ready themselves for school and leave at the same time each morning, they have a double makeup bar in their bathroom.

The house was built to have two bedrooms, but one of these is used now as a den.

A long kitchen, about 20 by 10 (including dinette), and a living room that is 18 by 12 feet in size are every commodious.

The bedroom the teachers occupy is about 14 by 14 feet and the smaller one, now the den, at the back of the house is 10 by 10 feet.

Heating-system for the house is hot water through baseboard heaters and the teacher-builders explain it has “been very satisfactory.”

Unusual Support.

The Dickman-Doerr house has one unusual supporting member. A heavy piece of railroad steel in a single beam runs the entire width of the house. The builders point it out when they show the basement.

Miss Doerr, who instructs her young dancing pupils down there, has decorated the walls. The basement has a stool so that the pupils need not disturb the teachers’ living quarters by going upstairs to the bathroom. A phone jack was installed in the basement and this makes handy communication for Miss Doerr when she’s down there with a class.

Dorisgerne Doerr and Lillian Dickman in House they built.
Dorigene Doerr and Lillian Dickman at 107 Spring Street-the house they built.
House at 107 Spring Street, Decorah, Iowa 1955.
House at 107 Spring Street, Decorah, Iowa [1955].
107 Spring Street, Decorah, Iowa [about 2019].
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Lloyd Harvey and Dorisgene (Doerr) Winger

Lloyd was 46 and Dorisgene 36 when they married in 1960 in Decorah. Lloyd was a captain in the U.S. Army during world War II from December 1943 to January 9th, 1946.. He worked for Bolson Feeds in Decorah for many years. Dorisgene continued to teach until 1976 when she retired.

Lloyd Harvey Winger Obituary September 2 199418Lloyd H. Winger Obituary, The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 2 Sep 1994, Fri, p5, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57577675/obituary-for-emma-m-elma-aged-83/ (Accessed 18 Aug 2020).[/effn_note]

DECORAH –– Lloyd H. Winger, 80, of Decorah, died Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital, Dcorah, of natural causes; survivors include his wife, Dorisgene; and three brothers, Oscar of Decorah, Orville of Ossian and Stanley of Rio Vista, Calif.; he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward; services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church, Decorah, with burial in the church cemetery; friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Fjelstul Funeral Home, Decorah, where there will be a Veterans of Foreign Wars memorial service at 8 p.m.; visitation also after 12:30 a.m. Saturday at the church; Mr. Winger was a salesman for Bolson Feeds in Decorah for many years and wa a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Dorisgene (Doerr) Winger Obituary June 200819

Dorisgene Winger | 1924 – 2008 | Obituary
Dorisgene Winger
January 06, 1924 – June 05, 2008

Dorisgene (Doerr) WingerDorisgene Winger, age 84, of Decorah, Iowa, died Thursday, June 5, 2008 at Wellington Place in Decorah following a long illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah by Rev. Paul Jordahl with burial in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah.

Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Monday June 9 at Fjelstul Funeral Home, and after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church. 

Dorisgene (Doerr) Winger was born January 6, 1924 at her family farm near Burr Oak, Iowa, the daughter of John E. and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr. She was baptized at home on January 27, 1924 and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. She attended Decorah Public School and graduated from Decorah High School in 1941. She attended Luther College’s two-year Teacher Preparatory Program and then earned her B.A. degree by attending summer school. Dorisgene taught mostly second grade in Ridgeway, Calmar and Decorah, Iowa for a total of 33 years, retiring on May 28, 1976.

She was united in marriage to Lloyd H. Winger on December 28, 1960 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah by Pastor Alvon Nelson. 

Dorisgene was a member of First Lutheran Church and worked in the Church Library for 15 years. She enjoyed decorating Christmas trees with crocheted and handmade ornaments and had as many as 20 decorated trees in her home. She also enjoyed teaching Social Dancing and tap dancing to many people. Dorisgene spent the last years of her life at Wellington Place where she did a lot of art projects including painting pictures, making bulletin boards and doing crossword puzzles. Dorisgene’s philosophy for life was “Make the best with what you’ve got!” 

Dorisgene became a resident of Wellington Place on August 30, 2004.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd on August 30, 1994; four brothers-in-law: Oscar K. Winger, Orville C. Winger, Stanley G. Winger and Edward H. Winger; and an aunt, Amelia Hjelmeland.

Dorisgene is survived by her sister, Arlawayne (Arly) C. Rosendahl of Decorah; two nephews: Keith (Nancy) Rosendahl of Decorah and Brian (Carla) Rosendahl of Holt, MO; a niece, Donna (Norman) Zimmerman of Monticello, IA; a cousin, David (Margaret) Hjelmeland of Cary, NC; and a sister-in-law, Aggie Winger of Decorah.

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  1. Arlawayne “Arly” Clarice Doerr
    daughter of ohn and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr.

Born:             11 Jun 1925 in Bluffton Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.20

Died:             1 Oct 2018 at the age of 84 in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Married:         2 Mar 1947  Virgel Alfred Rosendahl in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Find A Grave: Memorial #193620446 buried at Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Virgel Alfred Rosendahl son of Alfred Benjamin and Hannah Violeta (Loven) Rosendahl..

Born:            24 Oct 1924 in Springfield Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Died:             15 Sep 1999 at the age of 74 in Bella Vista, Benton County, Arkansas, USA.

Find A Grave: Memorial #25159951  buried at Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA.

Arly attended Decorah Public Schools and graduated from High School in 1944. She followed her sisters (Dorisgene) footsteps and attended Lutheran College for two years and obtained her Elementary Teaching Certificate in 1946.

Arlawayne Doerr, Lutheran College 1944
Arlawayne Doerr, Lutheran College 1944

Virgel Alfred and Arlawayne “Arly” Clarice (Doerr) Rosedahl

Arly was 21 and Virgel 22 when they married in 1947. They moved from Decorah to Cedar Rapids, lived in Marion, then moved to a farm near Mt. Vernon, Iowa. 

Virgel was associated with his father in the management of the Rosendahl farm near Decorah and Arly was employed in the Connor-Knight store when they got married.

Virgel worked for Iowa Steel and Iron Works for over 30 years. Arly taught school in Waukeek, Central City and Mechanicsville. They moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1986. When Virgel passed away in 1999, Arly then moved back to Decorah.

Eastern Iowa Brides March 2,194721

DECORAH––Arlawayne Clarice Doerr and Virgil Alfred Rosendahl will be married this evening in the First Lutheran church. The bride-elect is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Doerr, and Mr. Rosendahl is the son of the Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Rosendahl. The ceremony will be read by the Rev. Gerhard E. Frost.

With her white satin and net gown the bride will carry a bouquet of red roses. Her veil will be of illusion net.

Maid of honor will be Miss Dorisdene (sic) Doerr, and bridesmaids will be Mrs. merlin Rosendahl and Mill Rose Rosendahl. They will wear gowns in pink, blue and yellow shades.

The bridgroom will be attended by his brother, and Lemoyne Tohmpson  and Ralph Moeller will be ushers.

Miss Doerr attended Luther college. Mr. Rosendahl is engaged in farming near Decorah.

Mr. and Mrs. Virgel Rosendahl Purchase Lot July 19, 195322

. . .
Mr. and Mrs. Virgel Rosendahl have purchased a lot on East Fifth avenue of Perry Williams. They will build on the site in the near future. The sales were made by E. V. Carey.

Rosendahl’s Sell Home March 17 196323

Buy House––Mr. and Mrs. Owen T. Strickel have purchased the residence at 2721 Fifth avenue from Mr. and Mrs. Virgil A. Rosendahl. Possession has been given. Sale was made by the Thomas E. McGowan real estate firm.

Virgel Alfred Rosendahl Obituary October 14, 199924

MOUNT VERNON______  

Virgel  A. Rosendahl, 74 of Bella Vista, Ark., formerly of Mount Vernon, died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1999, in Northwest Medical center, Springdale, Ark. Services were Sept. 18 at United Lutheran Church, Bella Vista. The Rev. Richard Jebsen officiated.

Survivors include his wife, Arlawayne “Arly”, his mother, Hanna Violetta “Violet” Rosendahl of Decorah; two sons, Keith of Decorah and Brian of Kearney, Mo.; a daughter, Donna Zimmerman of Monticello; and two sisters, Audrey Brickner of Maquoketa and Rose Peterson of Decorah.

He worked for Iowa Steel and Iron Works for over 30 years. he and his wife Arly moved to Bella Vista in 1986 from Mount Vernon.

Memorials or cards may be sent c/o Arly Rosendahl, 6 Hampstead Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72714.

Arlawayne “Arly” Clarice (Doerr) Rosendahl Obituary October 201825

Arlawayne “Arly” Rosendahl
June 11, 1926 – October 01, 2018

Arlawayne Clarice (Doerr) RosendahlArlawayne “Arly” C. Rosendahl, age 92, of Decorah, IA, died Monday, October 1, 2018 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 4, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, one hour before the service, at First Lutheran Church.   

Arlawayne “Arly” Clarice (Doerr) Rosendahl was born June 11, 1926 at the family farm near Burr Oak, Iowa, the daughter of John and Gina (Espeseth) Doerr.  She was baptized June 18, 1926 by Reverend Glesne.  She attended Decorah Public School and graduated from High School in 1944. She was confirmed in First Lutheran Church in 1940. 

She attended Luther College’s two-year teacher program and graduated in 1946.  She married Virgel Alfred Rosendahl at First Lutheran Church, March 2, 1947 with Pastor G. Frost officiating.  She taught rural schools and attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids and the University of Iowa in Iowa City. 

She and Virgel moved from Decorah to Cedar Rapids, lived in Marion, then moved to a farm near Mt. Vernon, Iowa.  She taught school in Waubeek, Central City and Mechanicsville for a total of over 20 years. Arly loved to sew. She liked to make doll clothes for the dolls that she loved and for dolls to be given to children at Christmas.

Virgel and Arly moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1986 until 1999.  Virgel passed away September 15, 1999.  Arly then moved back to Decorah. 

Arly is survived by three children: Keith (Nancy) Rosendahl, Brian (Billie) Rosendahl and Donna (Norm) Zimmerman; four grandchildren, Heidi Zimmerman, Joni (Scott McDermott) Zimmerman, Derek Rosendahl and Blake (Mina) Rosendahl; three great-grandchildren, Aoife Violet Lawler-Zimmerman, Astrid Rose Lawler-Zimmerman and Alaina Rosendahl; and two sisters-in-law, Rose Peterson and Audrey Brickner.

Arly was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gina Doerr, her husband, Virgel Rosendahl; her sister, Dorisgene Winger; her brothers-in-law, Lloyd Winger, and David Brickner; and her mother-in-law, Violet Rosendahl.

Virgel Alred and Arlawayne Clarice (Doerr) Rosendahl Children:

    1. Keith Lyne Rosendahl married Nancy Gladys Yarwood.
    2. Brian Murray Rosendahl married Carla Jane Reck.
    3. Donna Louise Rosendahl married Norman Ralph Zimmerman.
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Citations:

  1. John Emil Doerr Birth “Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XVCR-Q9Q : 1 April 2020), John Emil Doerre, 8 Aug 1893; citing Iowa, United States; county district courts, Iowa; FHL microfilm 1,026,656.
  2. John Doerr to build home for parents, Fayette County Leader, Fayette, Iowa, 24 Apr 1930, Thu, p5, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57399779/john-doerr-to-build-home-for-parents/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  3. New 4-H Building At Decorah To Be Completed For Fair, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 21 Jul 1939, Fri, p15, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57401005/new-4-h-building-at-decorah/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  4. Purchase Two Lots From Decorah Board, Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, 24 Jul 1939, Mon, p14, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57401352/purchase-two-lots/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  5. Foundation Work Completed on 4-H Barn, Postville Herald, Postville, Iowa, 3 Aug 1939, Thu, p7, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57400748/barn-at-winneshiek-county-fair/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  6. Homes Listed, The Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, 31 Dec 1939, Sun, p36, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57400554/homes-listed/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).

  7. Ground Broken at Decorah for $50,000 Building, The Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, 10 Aug 1947, Sun, p14, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57400136/john-doerr-contractor/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  8. Doerr Buys Nesvick Forty Near Calmar, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 4 Aug 1948, Wed, p22, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57399900/doerr-buys-nesvick-forty-near-calmar/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  9. John Emil Bernard Doerr Obituary, The Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, 8 Jul 1974, Mon, p5, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35426639/john-doerr-short-obit/ (Accessed 30 Aug 2019).
  10. Gina (Espeseth) Doerr Obituary, newspaper clipping posted to ancestry.com, newspaper information not noted.
  11. “United States Census, 1920,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDMB-1CK : accessed 17 August 2020), John E Doerr, Military, Winneshiek, Iowa, United States; citing ED 173, sheet 12B, line 69, family 55, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 519; FHL microfilm 1,820,519.
  12. “Iowa State Census, 1925,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKQ4-SVL3 : 21 June 2020), John E Doerr, Winneshiek, Iowa, United States; citing Winneshiek, Iowa, United States, Iowa State Historical Department, Des Moines; FHL microfilm.

  13. “United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMKD-GLZ : accessed 17 August 2020), John E Doerr, Decorah, Winneshiek, Iowa, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 10, sheet 6A, line 29, family 119, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 688; FHL microfilm 2,340,423.

  14. “United States Census, 1940,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KM14-N88 : 20 August 2019), John E Doerr, Ward 2, Decorah, Decorah Township, Winneshiek, Iowa, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 96-10, sheet 9A, line 26, family 202, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 1213.
  15. “United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKCH-CGZN : 8 May 2020), John Emil Doerr, 27 Apr 1942; citing NARA microfilm publication M1936, M1937, M1939, M1951, M1962, M1964, M1986, M2090, and M2097 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
  16. Dorisgene Doerr Espeseth Birth “Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHTZ-DWB : 31 March 2020), Gina Espeseth in entry for Dorisgene Doerr, 6 Jan 1924; citing Iowa, United States; county district courts, Iowa; FHL microfilm 1,477,418.
  17. Reynolds, John, Two Women Build Their Own House, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa , 25 Dec 1955, Sun, p 21, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57397480/the-house-that-teachers-built/ (Accessed 15 Aug 2020).
  18. `Dorisgene (Doerr) Winger Obituary “Dorisgene Winger” retrieved from Fjelstul Funeral Home website online at https://www.fjelstul.com/obituary/865874 (Accessed 25 Jul 2019).
  19. Arlawayne Clarice Doerr Birth “Iowa, Birth Records, 1921-1942,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPZ5-539S : 30 October 2019), Gena Espeseth in entry for Arla Wayne Clarice Doerr, 11 Jun 1926; citing Birth, Bluffton, Winneshiek, Iowa, United States, State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines.

  20. Three Eastern Iowa Brides-Elect, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2 Mar 1947, Sun, p24, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57398602/arlawayne-doerr-and-virgil-rosendahl-to/ (Accessed 16 Aug 2020).
  21. Rosendahl’s Purchase Lot, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 19 Jul 1953, Sun, p18, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57580581/rosendahls-purchase-lot/ (Accessed 18 Aug 2020).
  22. Rosendahl’s Sell House, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 17 Mar 1963, Sun, p28, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57580650/rosendahls-sell-residence/ (Accessed 18 Aug 2020).

  23. Virgel A. Rosendahl Obituary, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 14 Oct 1999, Thu, p14, retrieved from Newspapers.com at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57579802/virgel-a-rosendahl-obituary/ (Accessed 18 Aug 2020).
  24. Arlawayne (Doerr) Rosendahl Obituary “Arlawayne “Arly” Rosendahl” retrieved from Fjelstul Funeral Home website at https://www.fjelstul.com/obituary/arlawayne-arly-rosendahl (Accessed 24 Jul 2019).

Disclosure:
The family Information was retrieved from a variety of family trees, webgens and family stories. I will note citations as appropriate and hope the information assists you in your research, but please do not use this as proven evidence. Feedback is welcome!

Pat Burns. Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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