Obituary: Doris Steen

Doris Marion Steen, 105, was born December 18, 1906, in Elk Township, Nobles County, MN, the daughter of William Nicholas and Florence Belle (Booth) Shanks. Doris graduated from Worthington High School in 1925. She attended Park College in Kansas City, MO. After college she worked for Boote Hatchery where she met John Steen. They were married at her father’s farm on October 24, 1936. John and Doris farmed in Seward Township and later moved to her father’s farm south of Worthington until they retired in 1970.

Doris was the organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church for 46 years. She also played hundreds of weddings and funerals. She retired in 1979, but still continued to play at the local nursing homes. After retiring from playing the organ she became the “Birthday lady” sending cards and calling church members on their birthday. She continued this until a few years ago as her eyesight was failing.

Doris loved flowers and was a 50-year active member and 20-year honorary member of the Worthington Garden Club and served as district president for 2 years. She was also very active in Girl Scouts and 4H.

Doris and John loved to travel and toured all 50 states in the United States. They traveled to Europe and visited 13 foreign countries including a visit to John’s birthplace in Leer, Germany. John and Doris spent 20 winters in Alamo, TX.

Doris died July 10, 2012, at South Shore Care Center in Worthington, MN.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Mary (Bruce) Hill of Worthington; 3 grandchildren, Kirsten (Sean) Limesand, Tucson, AZ, Phillip (Tammy) Hill of Worthington, and Rebecca (Chad) Sager of Yuma, CO, and 5 great-grandchildren, Ainsley and Larissa Limesand, Katlyn and Carter Hill, and Quinn Sager. Doris was preceded in death by her husband John in 1997 and her parents and grandparents.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at the Benson Funeral Home Chapel in Worthington, MN, with Rev. James Krapf officiating. Casket bearers will be Gary Kleve, Douglas Kleve, Rick Kleve, George Steen, Norman Steen and Alan Vogel. Honorary bearers will be Ainsley Limesand, Larissa Limesand, Katlyn Hill, Quinn Sager and Carter Hill. Burial will be in the Worthington Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington.

Tags: doris steen, obituaries

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