Doris Ardell Towne

Doris Ardell Towne, daughter of Albert and Effie (Narum) Brynjulson, was born on February 4, 1924, in Canton, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at Grand Valley Lutheran Church in rural Canton. Doris began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Lincoln County and went on to graduate from Canton High School with the Class of 1941.

After high school, Doris attended business school and worked in an office in Sioux City, Iowa. During World War II, she moved to California to support the "Rosie the Riveter" war effort.

On June 25, 1950, Doris married Willis Towne, and the couple made their home in Harlan, Iowa. They were blessed with two sons, Randal and William. As a family, they were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where Doris taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She also sang in the church choir and was a dedicated member of the Women's Organization. Her talents and generosity extended to making mission quilts and knitting sweaters for those in need.

Before her marriage, Doris worked at the Harlan Newspapers. Once her sons were in school, she returned to work in the school kitchen. In 1970, she began working in a Harlan attorney's office, where she remained until her retirement in 1992.

Doris was a proud member of the Myrtue Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Shelby County Historical Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She found great joy in gardening, camping, fishing, and rock hunting. One of her fondest memories was celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary with a family camping trip to Yellowstone National Park.

Doris passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025 in Harlan, Iowa attaining the age of 101 years, 4 months, and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Effie Brynjulson; husband, Willis Towne; siblings, Verna Holter, Robert Brynjulson, and Harlan Brynjulson.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Randy (Martha) Towne of Lafayette, CO, Bill (Beth) Towne of Harlan, IA; grandson, Nathan Towne; other relatives and many friends.