Dorothy Dea Iwen

Dorothy D. Iwen, age 95, passed away peacefully at Elm Crest Senior Living in Harlan on November 23, 2025. 

Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Magnolia, IA. Her faith grew stronger throughout her life. Her love for and trust in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord were her solid ground, guiding light, and purpose in life until her final breath. She faithfully served in the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) branch at Trinity Lutheran Church, taught Sunday School, and helped with Vacation Bible School. She prayed for, followed faithfully, and sacrificially contributed to Christian missions endeavors around the world in association with Mission Central, Iowa District, Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. 

She was born March 13, 1930, to the late Chester and Anna (Block) Larison in Magnolia, IA. Dorothy graduated from Mondamin Consolidated School with the class of 1948. After high school, she worked at First National Bank of Omaha. She later worked for Charles Schneider Furniture. On February 22, 1951, she was married to Roy H. Iwen at the Zion Lutheran Church in Magnolia, Iowa, and together, they farmed. She enjoyed sewing, bird watching, listening to music and gardening. Those who knew her would say she is best remembered by her warm smile, overarching kindness, tender heart, self-sacrifice, and solid faith in Jesus Christ. All would feel welcome in her presence.

Dorothy had a deep love for and devotion to her family. She was a "good" wife and mother in every sense of the word. Enduring long hours of hard work, she loved life on the farm and working alongside and in partnership with her husband. She was an avid gardener and an expert at preserving vegetables. Baking apple and rhubarb pies, homemade bread, date pinwheels and chocolate chip cookies are fond memories of her culinary talents. She modeled self-sacrifice to serve and care for others. She was devoted to and deeply loved her family.

Dorothy discovered a hidden talent for writing later in life. She wrote many inspiriting, sometimes humorous, poems for birthdays and special occasions. Her sharp mind as a poet continued during her stay at Elmcrest Nursing Home. She used this creative outlet to express joy, difficulties, and her faith in Jesus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Iwen; siblings, Ben Larison, Robert "Snide" Larison, Tom Larison, and Donna Schutt.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Denny Iwen (Lori), Bonnie Sieh (Mark), Joan Iwen, and Bill Iwen (Judy); sister, Dora Lea Sorensen; grandchildren, Eric Sieh (Angela), Kelly Mallicoat (Kyle), and Jill Weathers (Nate); great grandchildren, Morgan, Wyatt, and Olivia Sieh, Grady and Camden Mallicoat, Marnie, and Hattie Weathers; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Interment is in the Minden Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to LCMS Mission Central, Lutheran Hour, or Trinity Lutheran Church.