Dolores Kotz

Dolores Kotz, 100, died Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake.

Should friends desire to send a card of expression or memorial, they may be directed in the care of Tanya Kotz.

Dolores was born Nov. 2, 1923, the daughter of Victor and Gertrude (Radloff) Meyer. She graduated from Ventura High School and continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College. Dolores began her teaching career in a one room school house in Ames and later teaching at the Ventura School District.

Dolores met the love of her life at the legendary Surf Ballroom. Dolores was united in marriage to Earl Kotz on June 3 1944, in Brownwood, Texas; where Earl was serving the United States Army. Dolores worked at the May Company in Los Angeles, Calif., while Earl was stationed in Hawaii. She also worked at the Lakeshore Hotel in Clear Lake.

Earl and Dolores made their home in Mason City, purchasing their first farm in 1944 in Rockford, they lived in Mason City until moving to Clear Lake in 1995. They owned and operated the Mason City Hatchery, raising chickens and turkeys along with being involved in daily farm operations raising grain, cattle, and hogs.

Dolores enjoyed playing Bridge and taking antique trips. She loved to travel taking international trips to Africa, Australia and Canada on fishing trips with her family. Dolores was an avid reader, some of her favorites were mystery and historical novels.

Dolores enjoyed watching sail boat races, attending Regattas and watching her son and her sailing family on the water!

Dolores is survived by her three children, Dennis (Tanya) Kotz, Randy (Dianne) Kotz, both of Clear Lake and Krismar Kotz, Bettendorf; three grandchildren, Ashley (Jason) Stokke, Nathan (Diana) Kotz and Colette (Tyler) Schippers; five great-grandchildren, Ayden, Easton, Kinsley, Mia and Beckett; sister, Janice Waldron, Winter Park, Colo.; along with many nieces and nephews.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, two daughters in infancy, husband Earl; sister, Lanida (Lloyd) Willig; brothers-in-law, Don Waldron, Stanley, Ed and Wilbur Kotz; sisters-in law Mabelle Roben and Doris Creager.

The family would like to thank Oakwood Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Dolores.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.