Porter, Dorothy (Mrs. Charles "Ed") 1943-2024

PORTER, LIST

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/11/2025 at 14:28:24

Dorothy Porter

July 3, 1943 - December 17, 2024

Dorothy Porter, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Loveland, Colorado. Born at home on the Century Farm in Granville, Iowa, on July 3, 1943, Dorothy was the second oldest and eldest daughter of Melvin and Florence "Mel and Flo" List's 14 children. Growing up on the farm, she developed a deep sense of hard work, family devotion, and a love for learning that carried her through life.

Dorothy began her education at the age of 3 to help increase enrollment in the one-room country schoolhouse. She graduated from Saint Joseph's High School in Granville in 1960 before pursuing her calling to care for others. In 1963, Dorothy graduated from St. Vincent's School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, launching a lifelong career in nursing. Throughout her decades of work, Dorothy's skills and compassion took her to emergency rooms, meatpacking plants, home health care, and even the horse track caring for fallen jockeys.

Dorothy also dedicated her time to serving others through the Red Cross, teaching CPR, and crisscrossing the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico, offering aid during times of crisis, including the NYC 9/11 terrorist attacks on three occasions, numerous hurricanes, floods, local house fires, and the tragic Flight 232 disaster. She was also chairman of the board of the Siouxland Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Her unwavering desire to help others made a lasting impact on her community and beyond.

Dorothy earned an award from President Richard Nixon for her bravery in saving a young boy from drowning in the Missouri Rivera testament to her courage and selflessness.

On February 14, 1966, Dorothy married the love of her life, Charles "Ed" Porter. Together, they built a life rooted in love and laughter, celebrating 58 beautiful years of marriage. Dorothy and Ed raised five boys, instilling in them the same values she held dear. Those who learned that there were five Porter boys often remarked on cue, "Your poor mother," but Dorothy wore her role with pride, grace, and a good sense of humor.

Dorothy and Ed's sons are Al, Steve, Tom, Mike (Natalie), and Dan (Sara). Her children and their families brought her immeasurable joy and were a source of constant pride. Dorothy was also blessed with six grandchildren, who brought light and laughter into her life.

A devout Catholic, Dorothy's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She loved art and camping and volunteered her time teaching art history at the Hunt Elementary School. She found joy in gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. Dorothy's quiet strength and creative spirit shone in all she did.

One of Dorothy's favorite activities was to "pick up sticks" in her heavily wooded yard and start a bonfire, which on more than one occasion resulted in firemen showing up to the housea consequence that may or may not have been intended.

In October 2024, Dorothy and Ed moved to Colorado, marking a new chapter in their journey together. Dorothy's legacy as a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated nurse, and proud member of a Century Farm family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Ed; their five sons, Al, Steve, Tom, Mike (Natalie), and Dan (Sara); six grandchildren; her many siblings; and countless friends and loved ones who will miss her deeply.

A celebration of life will be held to honor Dorothy's memory next summer. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Red Cross in her name.

Dorothy Porter - a life well lived, a love well shared.

Source: Published by Sioux City Journal on Dec. 21, 2024.