Delores Jean Howerter, 77, of Galesburg, died Sunday, October 20, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Dee was born the oldest daughter of Ivan Walter and Veta Burnett (Marshall) Schroeder on May 13, 1942 in Avoca, Iowa. The family moved to Galesburg after WWII and Dee graduated from GHS in 1960 as the first class to graduate from the new high school. Dee and Jack L. Howerter were married on September 16, 1978 in Galesburg. He survives as do two stepdaughters, Rita (Bob) Fitzsimmons and Lisa (Jim) Blake both of Galesburg; one stepson, Darin Howerter of Galesburg; and two sisters, Karen (Gary) Thomas and Jan (Neill) Unger both of Galesburg. Dee is also survived by five grandchildren, Kate (Tom) Cross of Roscoe, Pat (Michelle) Fitzsimmons of Taylor Ridge, Kelsey Blake of La Vista, NE, David Blake and Mike Howerter both of Galesburg; and three great grandchildren, Sawyer and Finley Fitzsimmons and Calhoun Cross. Dee was preceded in death by her parents.
Dee began her career working at Alexander Lumber. She went on to work at Pete, Marwick, and Mitchell, spent several years at Merle Norman, and eventually retired from the US Post Office Credit Union. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, the Sisters of Faith Circle, and spent several years singing in the church choir. While working Dee was a member of the Business and Professional Women Association and attended many Merle Norman Conferences. She enjoyed tending to her yard, flowers, and garden. Dee and Jack enjoyed many years camping and fishing. Dee also enjoyed having lunch with the girls from the class of 1960 and her annual shopping trip to Williamsburg, IA with her two sisters. Family was important to Dee and loved to have everyone over for a meal and just being together as well as attending many Marshall Family Reunions.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2019 at the funeral home. Rev. Vince Rohn will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
