Theresa Marie Dullea

1935 - 2023

Theresa Marie Dullea, 88, formerly of Springville, passed peacefully at Pennington Nursing & Rehab Center in Monticello, Iowa, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, surrounded by her family. In honor of her wishes, a visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. Theresa will be forever remembered for her sweet smile, generosity to help others and willingness to join any dice game. She enjoyed fishing, sitting around bonfires, playing cards, gambling and enjoyed watching her sports teams. She spent many years at Delhi Lake with her family. Camping was her happy place! Theresa was born Oct. 29, 1935, in Hopkinton, Iowa. She was the daughter of Leona and Aloysius Kelchen and blessed with 12 siblings. After graduating from Hopkinton High School, she met the love of her life, Dennis Joseph (DJ) and were married in August 1957. They later settled in Springville, Iowa, where they raised their four boys. As well as helping on the farm and raising a family, Theresa worked over the years at the Anamosa Care Center, Rockwell Collins and Donutland in Cedar Rapids, Gary's Grocery in Mt. Vernon, and Jack & Jill, Casey's and Woody's Grocery, all in Springville. In additions to her parents, she was preceded in death by loving husband, DJ; and siblings, Allen Kelchen, Rita Kelchen, Bob Kelchen, Larry Kelchen, Charlie Kelchen, Betty DeRosia (Kelchen), LeRoy Kelchen. Surviving are her sons, Bob (Penny) Dullea, Dave Dullea, Denny (Robin) Dullea and Randy Dullea; her siblings, Bill (Dolores) Kelchen, Phil (Virginia) Kelchen, John (Mary) Kelchen, Ruth (Dick) Pasker, Vickie (Charlie) Kelchen, Betsy (Larry) Kelchen and Ben Kelchen. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was blessed to remain close to her siblings and share countless years making memories. She always cherished her time with her two best gambling besties, Betsy and Ruth, whether in Las Vegas or any other available casino. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff and nursing personnel at Pennington Assisted Living, Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center, as well as to Lindsay and Megan from Above & Beyond Hospice Care in Monticello. Please leave a message for the family on our webpage www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.