Foraker, Dorothy Lacina

Dorothy Lacina Foraker, 95, passed away in North Liberty at the home of her granddaughter, Tracy Lacina, and her husband, Steve Riggan, on Sept. 20, 2011. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 until 7 p.m. at Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City. A celebration of Dorothy's life will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Lensing's. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Iowa City.

Dorothy Mae Krall was born in rural Johnson County on March 27, 1916, the daughter of Frank and Mae Krall, the second of seven children. She was joined in marriage to William C. Lacina on June 26, 1934, in Iowa City. Dorothy and Bill raised three children together: Janice, David William and Mary Jean in Iowa City. Her beloved husband, Bill, passed away in 1963.

Dorothy worked at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for many years before reacquainting herself with Alvin Foraker whom she dated as a young girl. They were united in marriage in 1976. Al passed away in 1984.

Dorothy's life was defined by her love for her family. She was always a port in a storm for anyone who needed sanctuary. If you stayed in Dorothy's home, you were safe and protected. She survived many adversities throughout her life and amazed all who knew her with her resilience. She was very close to her brothers and sisters and their spouses. They had more fun together than most siblings, enjoying euchre parties, picnics, and dance parties. The matriarch of the family, she was known for her ferocity as well as her great capacity to love. No family member escaped the legendary “Dorothy Eyebrows.” If they touched - you were in trouble - get out with your life.

She lived a long, challenging and rich life and she will be so greatly missed.

Dorothy is survived by her son, David W. (Dianne) Lacina of Tiffin; daughter, Mary Jean Gearhart of Iowa City; stepdaughter, Pat (Jerry) Cooper of Iowa City; grandchildren, David John (Penny) Lacina of Oxford, Michael (Jennifer) McComas of Minneapolis, Tracy (Steve Riggan) Lacina of North Liberty, Lane (Kim Hawker) Lacina of Oxford, Kristin Gearhart of Denver, Colo., Lindsay Gearhart of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Shaina C. Lacina of Coralville; stepgrandchild, Micah T. Myers of Seattle; great-grandchildren, Stephanie (Eric) Seckel, Joe (Katie) Burns, Lydia McComas, Zach McComas, Shelby Lacina, Cierra Lacina, Dakota Lacina, Malcolm McComas, Mila Hillman and Caleb Lacina; stepgreat-grandchildren, Zach Riggan and Seth Riggan; one great-great-granddaughter, Aydin Seckel; sister, Marian Knowling; and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bill Lacina and Alvin Foraker; daughter, Janice McComas; siblings, Donald, Richard, Ralph and Joseph Krall; sister, Bernice Gough; and grandson, Gavin McComas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Iowa City Hospice or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Online condolences may be directed to

Published Sept. 22, 2011, in The Gazette