Newbern, Doretta Marie

Doretta Marie Newbern, 80, of Elkader, died Monday, March 15, 2010, at Central Community Hospital. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Friday at Peace United Church of Christ, with Pastor Andrea Mericle officiating. Interment: East Side Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Leonard Funeral Home, and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church.

Doretta was born Nov. 12, 1929, in Canistota, S.D., to Carl F. and Ethel M (Winegar) Zahn. She graduated from Marquette High School. She was united in marriage to Dean Newbern on Oct. 5, 1952, at the Lutheran Church in McGregor. Two children were born to this union. Doretta was employed at Northwestern Bell for nine years and was in the Clayton Co. Auditor's Office for 23 years. Throughout the years, Doretta was active in her church and community. She was a member of Peace United Church of Christ, Peacemakers, Rebecca Circle, Wednesday morning Bible Club, Elkader BPW, Elkader Golf & County Club and a local euchre club. She enjoyed making quilts, reading, television and traveling with the Freedom Club.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Nicholas Boelter of Sioux City, Alison Boelter of Sanborn, James Newbern of Milwaukee, Wis., and Amanda Newbern of Wabasha, Minn.; son-in-law, Dr. Terry Boelter of Sanborn; a sister, Lillian Fritz of McGregor; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Don and Arma Jean Newbern, and Richard and Mary Newbern, all of Guttenberg; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her children, Kevin (Patty) Newbern and Kenlyn Boelter; a brother, Edwin, and a sister, Mildred, who both died as children; and her father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Edna Newbern.

A memorial fund has been established.

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