Schumacher, Dorothy L.

Dorothy L. Schumacher, 89, of Marengo, died Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at her home. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 2, at First United Methodist Church, Marengo, with the Rev. Katie Z. Dawson officiating. Burial will be in Marengo Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Kloster Funeral Home in Marengo.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Carl Eugene Schumacher (Sue) of Branson, Mo., and Alan William Schumacher (Joyce) of Marengo; five grandchildren, Scott Schumacher of Des Moines, Jill Simm (Matt) of Springdale, Ark., Carl B. Schumacher (Jessica) of Des Moines, Joshua Schumacher (Melissa) of Des Moines and Abby Ray (Ronnie) of Marengo; four great-grandchildren, Grant and Lauren Simm, Madalyn Ray and Brant Schumacher; and a special friend, Betty McGivern.

Her parents and a brother Joe LaGrange preceded her in death.

Dorothy LaGrange was born May 11, 1921, in Marengo, Iowa, the daughter of Joe LaGrange and Mary (Kienle) LaGrange. She attended rural school in Iowa County and in 1969 received her high school diploma through Kirkwood. Dorothy worked with her husband Carl, managing their farm operation up until 1977, farming over 500 acres. They divorced after 36 years of marriage in 1978.

In 1974, Dorothy began her career in real estate, finally retiring her professional license this past year. Seeing a need for affordable housing in the Marengo area, she established the Bear Creek Mobile Home Park in 1981. Her vision of turning a cornfield into an affordable housing development became her legacy.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Marengo for 78 years. Dorothy was independent, fair and caring.

A memorial fund has been established.

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