Obituary of Florence Dorr

Florence Isabella (Taylor) Dorr, the daughter of George and Ethel (Campbell) Taylor was born on May 15, 1917 in Sheldon, IA. She grew up near Primghar, IA where she attended rural schools and graduated from Primghar High School in 1934. She attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, and received a teaching certificate. She returned to O’Brien County where she taught in area country schools. Florence married Ralph Parry on Sept. 15, 1938. They farmed near Primghar until his death in 1952. She moved into Primghar and went to work in the office of Dr. E.B. Getty. On Dec. 30, 1954 she married Arnold Dorr in Sanborn, IA. Together, they farmed south of Sanborn. To this union, one son, Allen was born. The couple continued farming until their retirement in 1983. They moved into Sanborn in 1990. In 2000, they made their home at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn. Arnold passed away on Feb. 18, 2003. Florence continued to live at Prairie View until her own death there on November 9, 2006. Florence was known for her “green thumb”; she loved to garden and take care of her many houseplants. She was a very hard worker—farming alongside her husband, helping with the milking and other chores, as well as raising her family. An excellent cook, she enjoyed cooking for large family gatherings, and her family loved the food! Left to cherish her memory are her son Allen Dorr and his wife Mary of Castle Rock, CO; her three step-children: Steve Dorr and his wife Susan of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, Stan Dorr and his wife Gretchen of Bloomington, MN, and Roberta and her husband, Al Crow of Edina, MN; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Florence was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wesley Taylor, and her sister Pearle Peterson.