Joanne S. Dorsch

A memorial service for Joanne Elizabeth (Snyder) Dorsch, 90, of Lake Kiowa, is set for 11:00 AM Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Gainesville with Pastor David Reese officiating. Visitation will follow the service.

Joanne was born on May 14, 1929 in Mount Carmel, Illinois. She was the last child of 8 born to Ira M. Snyder and Sabra (Hobbs) Snyder. She attended grade school and graduated from high school in 1947. Joanne was very active in high school belonging to the many clubs that were available at that time. She was in Girl's Glee Club, and sang in an acapella choir with her guy, Dean Dorsch. She was editor of the school year book her senior year. In 1944 while attending a Halloween Party, she sat at a table with the host and Dean who she did not know. During the conversation as carried on by 14 year olds, Dean put his straw from his Pepsi into her Pepsi and she didn't drink anymore. Two weeks later, Dean asked her for a date, and they went to a basketball game at high school and a dance afterwards. She was the the light of Dean's life after that date. After high school graduation, Joanne received a scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis where she attended for two years. While Joanne was in St. Louis, Dean attended Valparasio University in Indiana. They lived far apart, but kept sending letters in the mail to each other every day.

In August 1948, Dean asked her parents if he could marry Joanne. They said yes, and he gave her an engagement ring.

They were married on November 25, 1948 at the Hope Lutheran Church where they were members in their home town. They continued to live there until 1956 when Dean left his father's men's store and went to work for Arrow shirts as a traveling salesman. His first territory was Corpus Christi, followed by Dallas, Columbus, OH., St. Louis, MO., Milwaukee, WI., and San Antonio. After retiring in 1990, and they moved to Lake Kiowa in 1991. Joanne belonged to the Woman's club, where she was president for a year. She served on the election committee of the POA for many years. She served on the water board for two terms. Joanne was the librarian in a small dingy room in front of the water department office. When the water department built their new building, they added a room for the library. Joanne and six volunteers moved the library to the new gorgeous space. She retired as the librarian after 18 years.

During their marriage they traveled from the East coast to the West coast, and took several cruises. They spent their 25th anniversary in Hawaii.

Dean and Joanne were blessed with three children, Janet Burgess of Dallas, David Dorsch of Westerville, OH., and Kathi Dorsch Palmer who preceded Joanne in death. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Elizabeth Palmer, Daniel Dorsch, and Kyle Dorsch, all of Westerville, OH.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church in Gainesville.