Salzbrenner, Doris

Doris Salzbrenner, 97, of Victor, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at Brooklyn Community Estate, Brooklyn. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Victor Baptist Church, with Pastor Dan Andrews officiating. Visitation will be at Smith Funeral Home in Victor on Monday, Nov. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m., with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in Victor Memorial Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Victor is in charge of arrangements.

Doris H. Blome Salzbrenner was born on the family farm north of Victor on Sept. 14, 1916, to John and Edna Skersies Blome, the youngest of four children. She grew up in the Victor community, graduating from Victor High School with the class of 1934. Doris was raised in a strong Christian home and after she professed Christ as her Savior, was received into membership at Victor Baptist Church. She remained a member until her death.

She met her husband, William Salzbrenner, while teaching an adult night school class in Amana in the early 1940s. The class was designed to help people improve their English-speaking skills. Doris was qualified as she spoke German as well as English. When Bill returned from service during World War II, they were married at her family farm home on June 18, 1946. They also made their home there.

Doris spent much of her time volunteering for various organizations. She was honored for 21 years and 7,766 hours as a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City. She worked for hospice in Poweshiek County. She was an avid reader and she and her husband loved to travel. She served on the Victor Library board and was also a member of the Victor Women's Club. Her strong religious faith was evident throughout her life as she served in various capacities as camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, church clerk, and belonged to the Women's Missionary Society.

After the death of her mother in 1963, and her husband in 1964, she remained at her home and looked after her brother, Arthur, until his passing in 1994. In 1999, she purchased a home in Victor, where she lived until her move to Brooklyn Community Estate in 2007.

Surviving are one niece, Sharon (Robert) Morrow of Cedar Rapids; two nephews, Randall (Kay) Betz of Marengo and Douglas (Janet) Betz of Ankeny; one niece-in-law, Barbara Betz of Kingsburg, Calif.; several cousins; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Herbert and Arthur; sister, Freda (Merwyn) Betz; and nephew, Leighton Betz.

Memorials may be directed to Victor Baptist Church or Essence of Life Hospice in Amana.

Published Nov. 24, 2013 in The Gazette