Dorothy Orsinger

Dorothy Marie Orsinger, 95 of Nevada, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada, IA.
Dorothy was born on October 13, 1929, in LaSalle, IL, the daughter of Paul and Edith (Karl) Jagodzinski. She attended St. Hyacinth's Catholic School and graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School. Dorothy was a very good student and played on the golf team. During High School, Dorothy worked at the LaSalle Hospital. After High School, Dorothy worked for Westclox Clock Company located in the neighboring town of Peru, IL.
Dorothy met her future husband George Orsinger through a mutual friend while bowling. They dated a short time and married on February 27, 1960. Soon after getting married, Dorothy and George purchased a home in Peru and started a family. They were blessed with two children; first a daughter Kim and 15 months later, their son David. Dorothy chose to stay home with her children during the day and worked a few nights a week outside their home. She loved being a mother and wanted to focus on her young family.
George also worked at Westclox at the time they met. In 1966, George took a position with Sundstrand in LaSalle and in 1971, they moved to Ames, IA with the company. As the children became older, Dorothy worked part time at Sears in Ames. During this time, Dorothy and George also 'moon-lighted', selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners. In 1983, they had the opportunity to take over the Northern California sales territory selling Electrolux vacuums and moved to Yuba City, CA where they developed a highly successful Electrolux sales and repair business. In 1994, they moved back to the Mid-West to be closer to their mothers. They settled in Nevada, IA and started an All-American Home Dealership through which they built a new home that they lived in until 2023. Dorothy and George retired in 2004.
After retiring, Dorothy enjoyed activities at the Nevada Senior Center including afternoons playing cards and other games, monthly potlucks and New Year's Eve celebrations. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick's Church, the Catholic Woman's Group, Golden Kiwanis, and the Nevada Woman's Auxiliary. Dorothy spent a lot of time taking care of her mother and mother-in-law. She also enjoyed more time with her children, grandchildren, and friends.
Throughout their lives, Dorothy and George enjoyed traveling. They prioritized annual family vacations traveling to favorite lakes in Minnesota and Canada where they enjoyed fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreation. With Electrolux and All-American Homes, their success in business awarded them many trips with their favorites being Niagara Falls, Montreal, Hawaii and the Bahamas. In retirement, they also enjoyed vacations to their time-share in Branson, Missouri with their family.
Most of all, Dorothy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She loved watching her grandchildren, taking them to the park or swimming pool and attending their sport games, band/choir concerts and dance recitals. Dorothy was the family's biggest cheerleader. Celebrating holidays with family was important. Dorothy was very intentional, gentle, warm and always made her family feel special. She loved to love her family and making her family happy, made her happy! She was detail oriented, decorating their home for each holiday. She focused on her children and grandchildren and planned special events for each occasion. Dorothy instilled many values of family traditions, making every visit, every occasion special. She made her home feel like home to all of her family and friends.
Dorothy passed away surrounded by her family. Her quiet strength served her to the end as she held out until all her grandchildren could say goodbye. Our family will miss her dearly; she was so special to us. We are also joyful she's at rest, at home, with George, her heavenly baby, James, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and most importantly, Jesus. Earlier in the day that Dorothy passed, she stated her bags were packed and she was going home. One of Dorothy's Granddaughters told her Jesus had prepared a place for her with Him. She thought it fitting knowing her grandma always took great care preparing for her family to come to her home.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Kim (Stephen) Sampson of Nevada, David (Ann) Orsinger of Altoona; six grandchildren: Sara (Robbie) Lydic, Marie (Stephen) Justin, Daniel (Madeline) Orsinger, Erika (Brody) Miller, Margaret Orsinger, and Gabrielle (Landon) Dowell; and three great-grandchildren: Ruth, Eloise, and Dominic; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, James; her sister, Doloris Potter: several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Patricks Catholic Church in memory of Dorothy.
A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, at St. Patricks Catholic Church (1110 11th Street) in Nevada with rosary following at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, also at the church with Fr. Richmond Dzekoe officiating. The funeral service will be livestreamed on Rasmussonfh.com website under the Tribute Wall tab. Interment will follow at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada. A luncheon will follow the graveside service in the fellowship hall at the church.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Dorothy. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.