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Doris Mae (nee Reeves) Calkins was born on a farm near Seney, Iowa on December 4, 1935. Her parents were Clarence and Mae (nee Bock) Reeves and had one older brother, Cletus.
She attended high school in LeMars, Iowa, then went to Westmar College in the same town. There she began volunteering and her volunteer work continued for the next 55 years. Her career as an elementary teacher began in Sutherland, Iowa, then to Worthington, Minnesota, and Rock Rapids Iowa.
In Worthington, she met Don Calkins, and they were married in 1961. They had 2 daughters, and the family moved to Rock Rapids in 1968. She was a very active member of the First Reformed Church there. She participated in and led Bible Studies, Choir, Stephen’s Ministry, Rest Home Programs, and was in many other activities.
She was on the City Council from 1975-1979 and was a member of Christian Women’s Club, Red Hat Society, and BPW (Business and Professional Women). One of her favorite parts of being in that group was the annual Art Show. She was an avid reader and read to many children in her volunteering at school after she retired and one of her favorite places was the Kids Klub. She played her piano regularly at home, loved music, poetry and gardening.
She dearly loved her 7 grandchildren and prayed for them daily. She enjoyed making food that each one liked. And when they became adults, she wrote to each one weekly and inserted Bible verses, quotes, comics, and stories that she thought each one would enjoy.
She is survived by her husband, Don; daughters, Diane (Newton) Vencil from Shelby, Ohio, Debra (Leonard) Johnson from New Richmond, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Dana Reeves from Branson West, Missouri; grandchildren, Kenan Rasko, Ian (Rosie) Vencil, Annalena Vencil, Cora Story, Vivien Vencil, Andy (Annie) Johnson, Nate (Stephanie) Johnson; ten great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mae Reeves; and brother, Cletus Reeves.
Blessed be her memory.
A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, February, 3, 2025 at 10:30AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave New Richmond, WI 54017) with a visitation starting at 10:00AM. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Doris’ service.
12 Comments
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are for you all.
So sorry for your loss
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Barb. You are going through this for your Mom too. We will see you in Wednesday and be able to give each other a hug. Love to all of the family.
Our thoughts and prayers to Doris’s family…
Doris was such a joy to care for. She brightened the day for many people. She will be missed. Don’s love and dedication to her was nothing short of beautiful.
Thank you so much for your comment, Ashlee. That is really wonderful of you to say. She was so well cared for at the Memory Care Center. We were blesssed.
Thank you so much, Hank. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.
I’m sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my time taking care of Doris. Loved her beautiful smile. Thank you for being so kind when I came to your home also.
We would like to express our sympathy to your family in this time of loss. By all recollections, Doris lived a very full and rewarding life. She must have been a very busy lady. It seems as though Don is doing well. We met with Don and Doris in Rock Rapids a few years ago and had a nice visit. She had a very nice service.
Thank you so much for your comment and for your condolences. It is nice to know of your memories and of the visit you had.
Thank you so much for your words and condolences, Nikki. It was wonderful to have you care for her.
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