Dottie June Deboer

Dottie June DeBoer, 92, of LaVista, NE, entered into eternal rest on October 19, 2023, with her husband at her side.

Born on her family farm near Topeka, KS, on May 14, 1931, Dottie was raised in Lincoln, NE, and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1949. She met the love of her life, Marlin DeBoer, in high school, and married him on May 13, 1949, at Bethany Christian Church. The couple added 4 children to the family while living in Lincoln.

Dottie and Marlin moved to Omaha in 1956 and then settled in LaVista in 1960.  Dottie worked for 32 years at Western Electric, then retired in 1993. Shortly thereafter, Dottie took a job as a retail associate for Younkers Department store, largely to get an employee discount and support her passion for shopping for gifts. She enjoyed shopping for bargains at garage sales and Younkers and demonstrated her love for family by searching for unique gifts for those she loved.

Dottie was an enthusiastic contributor to the community at Faith Presbyterian Church, the City of LaVista, and Papillion LaVista Schools. She served as Cub Scout den mother, a church youth group leader, a sponsor of school dances, a faithful booster of sports and school music programs, and a lifeguard at the LaVista swimming pool.  On her 90th birthday, she was honored by the Mayor’s Proclamation of “Dottie DeBoer Day” in LaVista.

She found peace working in her yard along with Marlin, going so far as to rake daily in the fall months to keep things tidy.  Dottie and Marlin made their home in LaVista for 56 years until they moved to Country Estates Retirement Center in 2016. Dottie described her years in LaVista as the “happiest of my life.”  Dottie could play as hard as she worked, and enjoyed games and outdoor sports, especially if it involved family.  She played tennis for thirty years and most enjoyed playing mixed doubles with her son, John.  She enjoyed swimming and waterskiing - without getting her hair wet - and taught several of her grandchildren to ski.  She twice rode her bike across Nebraska (BRAN) with her daughter and sons-in-law, Linda, Dave, and Mark. Marlin and daughter Cheryl drove the motorhome as support.

Dottie adored children and never lost her sense of make-believe and wonder.  Children came to expect a fun toy room, replenished by almost new finds from garage sales, and Dottie actively engaged with the children around her even in the last days of her life. Dottie and Marlin’s commitment to one another and their family was an inspiration to many.  Dottie left a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love. She will be remembered for her hospitality, providing a home away from home for friends of her children, large meals, and a welcome gathering space for family and friends on holidays, elaborate Easter hunts for all ages, and a welcome space with lawn chairs and cold drinks to celebrate the
annual LaVista Days parade.

Survived by husband Marlin DeBoer, children Kenneth (Canda) DeBoer of Port St Lucie, FL, Linda Hayek of Omaha, NE, John (Gail) DeBoer of Papillion, NE, Cheryl (Mark) Kelley of Plymouth, MN, sisters-in-law Mary Ann (Claire) Fredstrom and Wilma DeBoer. 26 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents Lottie Henderson, Alfred Trambly, and adopted father, Albert Henderson; brother, John Henderson; sisters RosaLee (Roy) Runge, and Wilma Drake; brothers-in-law Donald DeBoer, Norman DeBoer sisters-in-law Zella (Leon) Glenn and Nina (Con) Showalter; parents-in-law, Garrett and Johanna Marie DeBoer; and son-in-law, David J. Hayek, Jr.

Memorials are suggested to Faith Presbyterian Church 8100 Giles Rd, LaVista, NE 68128 or LaVista Parks and Recreation Center 8116 Park View Blvd, LaVista, NE 68128.

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