Dorothy Eileen O'Tool

Dorothy O'Tool, age 96 of Odebolt, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at her home. Dorothy Eileen Blessington was born on September 25, 1928, to parents James and Bertha (Voss) Blessington. She was the youngest of eight children (six brothers, one sister). She cherished her brothers and especially loved spending time with her mother and sister, Margaret. Dorothy attended school in Auburn, IA, and graduated from Auburn High School. After graduating, she worked at a café in Breda, IA, and then at a few local car dealerships as their bookkeeper.

On June 22, 1953, Dorothy married Arnim "Bud" O'Tool. This union was blessed with two sons, Rick and Dale. Dorothy was so very proud of her boys. She was a stay-at-home mom until they were older and then went on to work various jobs such as being a housekeeper at the Shinrone Ranch in Odebolt, and then as a cook at the Odebolt school. Later on, she and Bud worked for Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt, working services, visitations, and taking care of the grounds for eighteen years.

Dorothy loved cooking, gardening, and crafting in her free time but most of all, gathering with her family. Her two grandchildren, Jason and Dana, were the light of her life. She enjoyed many weekends loving and caring for them; she always looked forward to having them. She was always sure to be at their events and activities as one of their biggest fans.

Dorothy loved animals and always had a dog, as they were her favorite. She had a soft spot for all animals and often cared for and fed many cats and rabbits.

Dorothy and Bud liked to travel and especially enjoyed their trips to Estes Park, CO, with Bud's sister Darlene and her husband Ralph as Darlene and Dorothy were best friends from a young age. As mentioned above, Dorothy loved her siblings dearly. Her family meant the world to her and she always stayed in touch and close with them. When any of them moved into the nursing home, she still made it a point to make regular visits. She was a quiet, sweet lady, who had a gentle soul and lived a life full of love for those close to her. She will be missed dearly by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Rick O'Tool of Sioux City, IA, and Dale O'Tool (Carol Allen) of Odebolt, IA; grandchildren Dana O'Tool (Chad Hogan) of Allen, NE, and Jason (Melanie) O'Tool of Salix, IA; great-grandchildren Joe Johannas, Joseph Brummond, Kadence Skalisky-O'Tool, Carson O'Tool, and Lily Johannes; brother-in-law Melvin O'Tool of Boone, IA; and sister-in-law Carol O'Tool of Glidden, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud O'Tool; parents James and Bertha Blessington; siblings Melvin (Beth) Blessington, Marvin (Dee) Blessington, Jim (Vera) Blessington, Lloyd (Blenna) Blessington, Lee (Marie) Blessington, Arnold (Ethel) Blessington, and Margaret (Russell) Teague; sister-in-law Isabelle Blessington; and parents-in-law William and Colletta O'Tool.