Obituaries : Dorothy Ann Blackburn

Dorothy Ann Blackburn, 87, of Norway, IA entered eternal life October 1, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 

Dorothy was born January 9, 1937 to Leo and Marjorie (Pease) Farber in Marcus, IA. She graduated from Pierson High School, class of 1955 and earned a degree in elementary education at Wayne State Teachers College in Nebraska. Dorothy started her teaching career in Hawarden, IA.

On August 2, 1958, Dorothy married Louis Blackburn. Together they lived in Slater, IA where Dorothy taught, before moving to Norway in 1960. Raising their family in Norway, Dorothy was a substitute for Norway Community Schools; and later worked for Grapevine Winery in Amana and Younkers at Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids. 

Dorothy served on the Norway City Council and spent many hours volunteering for the American Cancer Society, Benton County Food Bank, Order of Eastern Star, Kum Dubl Couples Club and teaching Sunday school. Dorothy used her musical talent in a variety of ways including church organist and choir director, supporting the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and teaching piano lessons for many years. Dorothy also taught Radarange classes through Kirkwood Community College. 

Dorothy liked watching the Chicago Cubs, Iowa State Cyclones and attending numerous musical concerts. Together Dorothy and Louis enjoyed spending many winters in La Feria, Texas.

Dorothy was strong-willed, always working to fix others' problems. She lived for her children and grandchildren, rarely missing an activity. 

She is survived by her husband, Louis; children, Doreen (Doug) Anderson of Newhall, Brenda (Clint) Sandburg of rural Atkins; granddaughter, Jennifer (Brandon) Hendrickson, great-grandchildren, Steven and Alex; grandsons, Benjamin (Sabrina) Anderson, Wesley (Victoria) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Oget, Darcy and David Anderson; and many more family and friends. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Helen Mahaney and Donald Farber. 

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Norway United Methodist Church, Norway with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at the Norway Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com

Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is assisting the family.