Dorothy Jean Van Doorn was born March 4, 1938, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was one of twelve children born to John and Katie (Slycord) Petersma.

She attended school through the eighth grade in Newton, and lived most of her life in the Pella and New Sharon areas. On September 20, 1957, Dorothy was united in marriage to Jerry Van Doorn in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  She was a farm wife, worked for Pella Corp. for 20 years, and retired in 1999. Dorothy and Jerry loved spending winters in Arizona.  They were part of a motorcycle club, and enjoyed casino trips and dancing. Dorothy loved spending time with family and attending all their birthday parties.

Those left to cherish her memory are siblings: Leonard and the late Janet of Gravity, Iowa, Mary and Roy De Long of Leighton, Iowa, Evelyn and Dwight Asher of Beacon, Iowa, Richard and Sharon Petersma of Pella, Betty of Little Rock, Arkansas, John of Longview, Texas, Robert and Becky of Round Rock, Texas, and Norm and Debora of Marble Falls, Texas; and sisters-in-law Linda Petersma of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Pam of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by her many, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband Jerry, her parents, and her siblings: Margaret Ann Clark, Harold Petersma, Charlie Petersma.

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA