Pease, Doris Owen Passed gracefully with family in her home at the Farmstead in Andover, leaving the gift of perpetual optimism with those she touched, on Friday, February 8, 2008 at age 86. She joined her husband of 64 years, Leon Pease and their son Gene. She was born in Eau Claire, Wisc., Dec. 20, 1921 to Lee and Irma Owen. Doris was a 36-year member of the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, and received the Girl Scout Leader Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career as a journalist and advertising sales representative started at the Olivia Times Journal and Osseo Press, where she began her signature column "DOTS from Doris". She published the Entertainment Bits (Music & Dance News) and was executive secretary of the Minnesota Ballroom Operators Assn and the National Ballroom & Entertainment Assn. In 1982, she co- founded Dancing USA magazine with daughter LeAnn which made World Dancing Hall of Fame in 1988. She worked with her daughters Patti and LeAnn at DOT Publications, producing Dancing USA, Music & Dance News, Buyers Guide, Crossroads, Roundtown, and Smart Money for 18 years. Doris was co-founder of National Ballroom Dance Week in September each year. Dodging Doris and Leaping Leon were polka dancers, square dancers and ballroom dancers. "What a ride." Doris the Artist: Founding member of the Renville County Art Assoc., Minnesota Rural Artists Association, Artists Del Norte, Coon Rapids Fine Arts Commission, and President of the Art Alliance Council for 14 years and just stepped down last year. She was a 1993 Minnesota Artist of the Year. Doris lived every day fully and with inspiration. She is survived by her seven children: Terry (Vi), Steven, Mark (Becky), LeAnn, and Jon (Nancy) living in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and JoDee and Patti (Scott) in Hawaii; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her younger sister Janet passed 3 weeks ago in Kansas, and her other younger sister Maxine (Larry) resides in Prior Lake, Minn. A celebration of Doris' life is at the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, Monday, February 11, 3 PM (10506 Hanson Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433).
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
My prayers go out to your family during this time of loss. Although I only saw your mom a couple of times, I remember her as full of life. She was a very interesting and energetic woman. May your memories of her sustain you and bring you joy.
Joanne Nelson
February 24, 2008 | Lino Lakes, MN
Our sympahty to the Pease family. We remember Doris and Leon as very active in Faith United Methodist Church here in Olivia. She was a great lady so full of energy and enthusiasm. Our best to you.
Carol & Don Houghton
February 11, 2008 | Olivia, MN
Doris was a wonderful, joyful person. She was a dance enthusiast to the max. She was instrumental in getting the amateur dance association USABDA (now USA Dance) started in Minnesota and the Star of the North Dance Competition and the Ballroom Dance week. I enjoyed knowing her and loved her positive attitude.
Kathy
February 11, 2008 | New Hope, MN
