Dorothy Ann Leinen
November 29, 1934 - June 22, 2024

Dorothy Ann Leinen, daughter of Fred and Elvera (Gessert) Pauley was born on a farmstead in Shelby County, Iowa on November 29, 1934. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School where she graduated in 1953. She was proud to have played on the St. Mary’s basketball team that advanced to the Iowa State Tournament. Following graduation Dorothy spent time working at the Omaha Grain Exchange as well as serving as a nanny for a few local families.

On July 17, 1956, Dorothy was united in marriage to James Leinen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama. To this union two sons were born: Daniel and Roger. The couple resided near Portsmouth until they moved to a farmstead south of Denison in 1959. Dorothy could often be seen helping while sorting hogs or cattle or even driving the tractor while baling hay.

Dorothy served as a full-time stay-at-home mother until her sons were in high school. She spent some time cleaning houses in Denison until she became employed at the Sears Catalog store in Denison, Iowa for 8 years before retiring in 1996. She enjoyed the family atmosphere of the workplace and often she and Jim would enjoy social activities after work hours with her employers. While living in Denison, the family belonged to the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Dorothy spent many hours as a member of the Ladies Guild helping with funeral meals and always remarked how she loved all the women that would come to help. She also took care of Church laundry and made many of the Alter cloths.

Some of Dorothy’s favorite past times included baking, playing cards, and flower gardening. Her home was always full of flowers in bloom. While on the farm she enjoyed many outings fishing for bullheads in their pond.

Dorothy passed away at the Denison Care Center having attained the age of 89 years, 6 months, and 24 days. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother Michael; in-laws; Linda Daoust, Verlee Leinen, Ursula Bruck, Harvey Leinen, Eunice Blum, and Orville Leinen.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, James Leinen of Denison, Iowa; her sons: Dan and his wife Pat of Denison; and Roger and his wife Glenda of Newton, Iowa; grandchildren: Matthew Leinen and Kristyn Leinen; step-grandchildren; Andrea Glawatz and Colby Meseck; one great grandchild, and six step-great grandchildren; her sister Delores and her husband Tony Klein; in-laws: Arlene Pauley; other relatives and many friends.

A 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial was officiated by Fr. Shinoj Jose on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, Iowa. Jim Bruck, Jeff Leinen, Scott Leinen, Roger Blum, Jerry Brus Jr., Brian Daoust, and Galen Pauley served as casket bearers. Interment was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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