Dora Zander Gitch

Dora Zander Gitch

Dora Louise Zander Gitch, daughter of William and Bertha Schumacher Zell, was born November 14, 1918, on the family farm, near Sumner, Iowa. She attended the Sumner Township country school, and was confirmed at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, rural Sumner.

On June 25, 1939, she was united in marriage with William J. Zander at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in rural Sumner. The couple farmed for many years in the Sumner area and Dora was very active working on the farm. Following William’s death in 1995, Dora moved into Sumner in 1996. In 1997, she was married to Earl Gitch. Mr. Gitch’s death occurred in 1999.

Following a sudden illness, Dora’s death occurred Friday, October 28, 2011, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner. She was ninety-two years old and had been a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. She served the church as president and was a member of the Ladies Fellowship for over sixty years, and taught Sunday school for many years. Dora enjoyed baking bread for her family and church, gardening and canning. She also loved going on picnics and playing in her three card clubs.

Dora is survived by two sons, Dixon Zander of Madrid, Iowa and David (Janet) Zander of Williston, North Dakota; two daughters, Corliss (Jim) Streinz of Sarasota, Florida and Jennifer Rieger of Waverly; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her two husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jamie Streinz; one grandson, Christopher Judisch ; two brothers, Alfred and Edwin; one daughter-in-law, Barb Zander; and one son-in-law, John Rieger.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, rural Sumner with Rev. Robert Treichel officiating. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given in her name to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Matthew Wiederaenders on August 3, 2013 at 7:18 PM said:

I didn't know you. I found your picture while doing a search on the internet. It sounds like you had a beautiful life; one I would like to enjoy someday. I will remember you, Dora Gitch, even if we aren't family and will not have the chance to meet. I will remember you.

PJ on November 2, 2011 at 5:53 PM said:

We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of your beloved Dora. May you find comfort from Psalm 34:18- God cares for you especially at this very difficult time.Remember the experiences you shared together, hold them dear to your hearts and cherish them.

Michaelle Walther on November 2, 2011 at 8:38 AM said:

This was one of the most sweetest people anyone will ever know. She loved her family and friends whole-heartedly...as did all of us her.

Darol Heinemann on November 1, 2011 at 6:22 AM said:

To all of Dora's family - my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. I recall Dora being one of the pleasant, friendly neighbors of the 'ole farm neighborhood'.

Jerry Nichols on October 31, 2011 at 1:16 PM said:

To Dora's Family,
I have many fond memories of time spent with the Zander Family. Dora was a wonderful neighbor and a friend to all of us "kids". She will be missed by all.

Raquel L Gitch on October 31, 2011 at 8:39 AM said:

Dora had been our neighbor for the past 8 years and we were so blessed to have such a wonderful woman in our lives. She always opened her door and welcomed us into her home with a gracious smile and even let us refer to her as Grandma Dora. But most of all I will miss the comfort knowing that she and Edwin always watched us from their large bay window. Whether we were coming and going, playing outside or just tending to my plants I knew she kept a protectful eye on us. She will be missed.

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