Dolores Pearl Leitch

Delores “Dee” Pearl Leitch age 93 of Charles City, IA, died Thursday, June 20, 2024, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Scott Smith officiating.

Inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg with Randy Dancer, Tamara Leitch, Tonya Collins, Adopted Daughter Kathy Mathes, and Devin Lang serving as honorary pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the funeral home in New Hampton.

Born on July 10, 1930, in Hammond, Indiana, to Oren and Flossie (Hayden) Hinecker, Dee lived a life brimming with joy, friendship, and service to others. Her sparkling legacy will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Dee graduated from New Hampton High School and soon after, she dedicated her life to nurturing a beautiful family and serving her community. On October 16, 1949, she married the love of her life, Dennison Leitch, at the Little Brown Church. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with love and companionship, residing in Charles City for the majority of their lives. Dee and Dennison’s home was a welcoming haven, blessed with the laughter and warmth of their children: son Dennis Leitch, daughters Denna Nosbisch and Denise Leitch. Although Dennison preceded her in death, the love they shared continues to be an inspiring testament to enduring affection.

Professionally, Dee served with devotion as a church secretary, but her true vocation was being a homemaker. She poured her heart into creating a nurturing environment for her family and anyone who walked through her door. Her home was not just a place of residence but a cornerstone of the community, where love and care were in abundant supply.

Dee’s zest for life was evident in her diverse interests and hobbies. She was an avid square dancer, finding joy and fellowship in the turns and twirls of the dance floor. Camping was more than a pastime for Dee; her camper served as her second home, a mobile sanctuary where she made countless cherished memories. She embraced adventure, riding on motorcycle trips and wintering in Texas, where she developed a fond affinity for Whataburger.

Her sense of community spirit shone brightly through her involvement with the Blue Star Support Groups, where despite being the “old lady” among much younger peers, she offered steadfast support and companionship. Dee’s hands were rarely idle, as she made quilts for soldiers and packed care packages for troops, pouring her love into each stitch and item. Her creative spirit found expression in intricate thread cards, which she crafted during many hours spent in the delightful company of her dear friend Bonnie Huber.

Dee’s warmth extended to sharing memories over ice cream bars with Mike Leraaen and engaging in card games with friends and in-laws. She was an integral part of her neighborhood’s block parties, and her knitting group benefited from both her skills and her camaraderie. A fan of “Murder, She Wrote,” she relished the suspense and intrigue of each episode, making it her absolute favorite show on the Hallmark Channel.

Even in her golden years, Dee’s youthful spirit never waned. She lovingly took on the role of “chaperone” for college students in South Padre during spring break, guiding them with her wisdom and humor. Dee’s legacy is one of a loving, friendly, and generous heart—a beacon of kindness that illuminated the lives of those around her.

Dolores is survived by her son Dennis (Patricia) Leitch of Urbandale; daughters: Denna (Dennis) Nosbisch of New Hampton, Denise Leitch of Waterloo, and adopted daughter Kathy Mathes of Waterloo; step sister Lois Jane (Kirk Swake) of St. Petersburg, FL; grandchildren: Tammy, Jeffrey, Troy, Tonya, Wendy, Marcy, and Devin; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Oren and Flossie (Hayden) Hinecker; husband Dennison Leitch; and sisters Lois Montgomery and LaVonne Dancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (PO BOX 22324, New York, New York 10087).

641-394-4334