Warren Millard Dobbertin

1925 - 2015

Warren Millard Dobbertin, Sr.

Urbandale

Warren Millard Dobbertin, Sr., 89, of Urbandale entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 26, 2015. He died of complications related to Alzheimer's disease and pneumonia.

Warren was born on February 18, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the second of four sons of Reinhold and Millard (Whitney) Dobbertin. During his college years, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. While in training in up-state New York, Warren attended St. Lawrence University where he met Elizabeth Callahan. In 1946, following graduation from Northwestern University with a degree in accounting, Warren and Elizabeth were married. They had two children, Warren Jr., and Janice.

Warren was a Certified Public Accountant. He first worked for a national CPA firm in Chicago. Then he accepted the position of treasurer for Wilson-Jones Printing and Stationery Company. Next, the family moved to Rockford, IL, as Warren was named controller for G.C. Electronics.

Warren and his family moved to Des Moines in 1963 when he accepted the position of controller at Diamond Laboratories (today Diamond Scientific). He advanced over the years to become president of the company. Warren retired in 1983. He also did some part-time consulting during his first several years of retirement.

Warren was an active volunteer with Junior Achievement and served as its treasurer for many years. Warren and Elizabeth were active golfers. They were lifetime members at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, where Warren also served as club treasurer. They greatly enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren as they all grew up in the Des Moines area. Warren and Elizabeth were married for 52 years. Elizabeth struggled for several years prior to her death in 1999. During those years, Warren was an exemplary husband, taking care of Elizabeth's needs.

Warren loved the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. As a young man, he taught Sunday School. He was a 50-year member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he faithfully attended a men's bible study group for a number of years.

Warren became active in a social group of widows and widowers, where he met Doris Needham in 2001. They were married in 2002. Warren and Doris enjoyed traveling with other seniors to interesting places throughout Iowa. They also enjoyed playing cards and dining out with their good friends. The time that they spent with both of their families was very important to them. Warren and Doris were married for 12 years. Doris was a wonderful and loving caregiver for Warren as his condition worsened during recent years.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Doris; son, Warren Jr. (Connie) Dobbertin; daughter, Jan (Kurt) Johnson; four grandchildren, James (Dana Sussman) Johnson, Kerri Parkhill, Michael Dobbertin, and Matthew (Brandi) Dobbertin; seven great-grandchildren; Doris' children, David (Kathi) Needham, Kevin (Vicki) Needham and Richard (Pam) Needham; Doris' grandchildren, Ariel, Collin, Autumn, and Dave (LD); and Doris' two great-grandchildren.

The family will meet guests from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at Grace United Methodist Church on Cottage Grove in Des Moines. The memorial service will start at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon at noon. A private committal service will take place at a later date at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines.

Memorial gifts may be made to either: Grace United Methodist Church or Hope Ministries.

Online condolences may be shared at IlesCares.com.