Dorothy DeMarce, 89

Dorothy J. DeMarce, 89, Red Oak, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Accura Healthcare, Stanton.
Dorothy Jeanne DeMarce, the daughter of Emile and Marie (Ahnne) Claude, was born Dec. 15, 1935, in Wright County, near Woolstock.
Dorothy was raised on a farm near Woolstock, where she helped with farm and field work, especially after the early and unexpected passing of her dad. While in high school, she loved playing basketball and singing. Dorothy graduated in 1954 from Woolstock High School and began working in an area general store.
On June 1, 1956, Dorothy was united in marriage to Lawrence John DeMarce in Elk Point, S.D. They lived in Hampton, Eldora and Lake Mills, Iowa, before moving to Red Oak in l961 to help with the family-owned bowling alley. She was a certified bowling instructor and helped many area kids with their bowling techniques. At this time, Dorothy also worked at J.D. Café before starting her 45+ years career in the grocery store business. She worked over 20 years at Hunts Super Valu and Jim’s Super Value, and then 25+ years for Hy-Vee.
Dorothy always made time to attend her kids and many of her grandsons’ school activities and sporting events. Even after her kids were out of school, Dorothy continued to support Red Oak athletic events and was named Fan of the Year by the Tag-A-Long Booster Club. Dorothy was active in BPW, serving as president in 1983. She served as secretary for the Women’s Bowling Association in Red Oak for at least 20 years and was honored to be inducted into the Red Oak Bowling Hall of Fame. Dorothy attended the First United Methodist Church and was a longtime member of the Eagles Auxiliary. She loved Red Oak and the surrounding area and enjoyed supporting the communities, and their civic and church organizations and fundraising meals. Dorothy and her “Super Valu and Hy-Vee” lady friends had years of fun together, going out for coffee, to horse races and just being together. For the holidays, Dorothy enjoyed making and sharing her cookies and candy with family and friends. Her brownies, which won the local radio brownie contest years ago, will be missed by those who were treated to them. Dorothy was a hardworking and independent spirit and would do anything she could to help someone; she will be missed.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John in 2003; son, Donald in 1978; daughter, Karen Frank in 2004; three brothers, Rayner, Richard, and Marvin; and two sisters, Doris Claude and Ruth Stepp.
Dorothy is survived by her sons, Ron (Sara) DeMarce of Red Oak, and Fred (Kelli) DeMarce of Cartersville, Ga.; grandchildren, Rylee (Melissa) DeMarce, of Malvern, and Rudee (Jessica) DeMarce of rural Red Oak; Steven Frank (Tory Peak) of Omaha, Neb., and Kelly (Sasha) Lindow of Omaha, Neb.; Justina Rienzo of Rome, N.Y., Brock (Kim) DeMarce of Statesville, N.C., Brendan (Briana) Thies of Atlanta, Ga.; and Leeann (Jamie) Owens of Cartersville, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Maddie, Rilee and Emma; Carter, Crew and Cillian; Jordan, Madison, Cameron, Michael, Shailyn, and Jeremiah; Joshua, Savannah, Brock Jr., and Paisley; and Logan and Jaxson; and brother, Gaylord (Barb) Claude of Moline, Ill.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak.
Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday, March 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name for future designation. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at sldfuneralhome.com.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, is in charge of Dorothy’s arrangements.