Doris was my 4th and 6th grade teacher at Phillips Traditional School here in Des Moines back in the early 1980s.  She was wonderful.  I remember one instance in 4th grade when I called another student a not so nice name.  Mrs. Stukenberg made me look the word up in the dictionary.  I'll never forget that. I reconnected with Doris in 1990 when I worked at the YMCA in Estes Park, Colorado.  I had seen her in the dining hall and went up to her and told her who I was.  To my surprise she remembered me!  I think of her often and am saddened to hear of her passing.  I have been trying for several years to see if she was still in the Ames area. She was (and still is) a wonderful woman and I will miss her dearly.  I'm just glad she is in heaven watching over me as I am now a teacher in the Des Moines School District.

I had just recently gotten to know Doris when she moved to Ballard Creek and am saddened to  have had so little time. Her warm smile and engaging conversation instantly found a place in my heart. I will miss you, Doris, may you rest in peace. Thank you for being the reason I now know June and Rose, too. My sincere condolences to you both and to your whole family.   Anne Quick, Huxley, Ia

To the Stukenberg family,  For some reason today, I looked up Mrs. Stukenberg's name in the Register.  Life takes interesting turns.  I want to express my condolences to you, but even more, I want to express my thanks to you for having "lent" me your Mother and Grandmother so many years ago.  From 1967 to 1969, Mrs. Stukenberg was my teacher at the Gifted Education classes at Oak Park Elementary in Des Moines.  I remember her so well:  for her creativity; for her demanding, yet fair standards; and for her willingness to try just about anything with a group of overinquisitive, often unruly 5th and 6th graders.  Even though over forty years have passed, I still remember those years with a great deal of fondness, and I also believe that your mother/grandmother was instrumental in my development, both socially and intellectually.  Currently I am a psychiatrist at the VA in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I am working with the young men and women who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  I also write a blog about my experiences at www.ptsdandcombat.com.  Mrs. Stukenberg was again instrumental in my learning to trust my writing, to trust my instincts, and to give it my all.  I thank you for her life, and I hope that somehow she can know that she made a difference in mine--and that, as a result, I hope I continue to make a difference in the lives of others.  My warmest thoughts to each of you.

I am sorry to hear of Doris' passing; she was a distant cousin of mine.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

I was so saddened to hear of Rose's Mom passing away.  I first met Rose at the Estes Park YMCA where we both worked the summer of 2006.  I just lost my own Mom last year so I know what a hole it leaves in your heart.  But comfort will come from good memories.  Rose's Mom was such an inspiration not only because she was a teacher, but for her true spirit of living and for her volunteerism, something that is also very close to my heart.  And that teaching & caring attitude certainly passed on to her children. I only met Doris once in Georgia, but felt like I knew much about her from Rose's pride in her Mom. Reading the kind words written about her here, I'm sure God has already found a special position for her in heaven.
My thoughts & prayers are with you, Rose and the rest of your family.

Please accept my sympathy.  Rose is a dear friend of mine, and I know that her heart is aching.  Your family and friends will be in my prayers.

Teresa Hunter
Fernandina Beach, Florida

Dear Stukenberg family,
   I met Doris in 1991 at the YMCA of the Rockies when she was a lodge hostess (some 18 years after I had worked there).  We hit it off immediately.  I am from Aplington, my father was a school superintendent who was raised near Fairfield, and my mother was from Fairfield, so we had a lot in common.  Immediately, we formed a bond that we have kept over all these years.  What a delight you mother has been.  Always interested, always involved, always active, always supportive, always of service.  She lived her life as a true demonstration of her faith in God, in education, in people, in the YMCA and in bringing "light" wherever she went.
   I want you to know she has been to me a great role model for living life to the fullest.  She has also left me with special memories that I will cherish always.   Especially when I visit Estes Park I will never fail to remember her and all of you.  I am sending all my love and support and holding all of you tightly in my heart.
   With all my love,

My condolences to Doris's family and friends. I had the great good fortune to have her as a House Mother at the Pi Kappa Phi house. I am still amazed by the strength and kindness that she showed while doing what, in retrospect, had to be a very difficult job. Mom Stukenberg was an remarkable woman. I'm grateful to have had her in my life.

Doris was a fine lady, gentle and joyful. I regretted in our brief visits I never learned she also was from Fairfield. I graduated from FHS 1942. She must have been the last class to graduate in the old high school before it burned in 1938.

I had Mrs. Stuckenberg as my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Oak Park Elementary in Des Moines, Iowa.  To this day, she has been my favorite and most memorable teacher in my school career.  I loved having her as my teacher, she was kind, fair, and made learning fun.  Bless her and my thoughts and condolences to her family.

Doris was always a kind and loving neighbor and friend. She cared for all around her and feel by knowing her, she made me a better person. Doris is a blessing in my life and feel so fortunate to have spent time with one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. God bless Doris and her beautiful family.

I worked with Doris for two years at Phillips Elementary over 30 years ago; she touched my life!  She would do anything that she could for you.  Rose, she put me in touch with you, and you were able to get a guest apartment for me and my family in FL, so that we could afford a vacation to Disney World!  
A warm, wonderful lady, and I will always have fond memories.
                                                    Barb Boes  (Clive, IA)

We are so sorry to hear of Doris' recent passing. I taught with Doris at Brooks Elementary School for two years in 1965-66  & 1966-67. Doris was always so kind to me and provided excellent guidance to me, as Mary Graham and I, were the newest and youngest teachers on the staff. Doris was an excellent teacher and a good friend and was so kind to follow the rest of my career within the DMPS. We loved Doris and are saddened by her passing, but we all rest assured that she is smiling down upon us all from her place in heaven. We will keep Doris and your family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You all.
Larry & Betty Martindale

Doris "Mom" Stukenberg had an amazing ability to charm anyone she met.  Her positive attitude was always matched by her radiating smile.  I had the wonder privilege to work with her when I first became involved Alpha Omicron and the Journey Project some 16 years ago.  Troy Carmen, the Archon at the time, and Mom interviewed me for the position of Academic Coach.  I had never been a member of a fraternity while an undergraduate, and frankly, never considered joining a fraternity.  But, when I met Doris and she spoke so eloquently of the joys she'd experienced in her position, the integrity of the men of the house, and the fantastic alumni support of the Building Corporation, I was sold.  I knew I had just met a very special woman.  We remained friends over the years.  She loved ISU Athletics and I would see her at games, matches, and meets.  There were many many Pi Kapps that benefited from her exceptional proof reading skills!  Her zest for life and making others feel special will be missed. 
Dan Rice
AO 1000

Doris and I worked together as members of Iowa State University Women's Club.  We will miss her friendly smile and helpful ways.
Mary Stevermer

Doris "Mom" Stuckenberg was my House Mother during my college years at Iowa State University when I was a undergraduate and a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.  She was always the kindest and sweetest person to talk to and she always help with recomendations for guidance when one had that fork in the road.  She taught told us that proper table manners were a must, because someday an opportunity in our careers would be decided at a dinner meeting.  I think of that everytime I am having a business dinner in different parts of the world due to my job.  I am happy that she had the opportunity to meet my wife and children, because it was important for me that my family see how special she was for me.  You will be missed Mom.  My deepest sympathy goes out to the members of you family, because I can just imagine what she was for you.  We love love Mom Stuckenberg,

Cesar Vega
Iowa State University Class of 1994

OBITUARY

Doris Elinora Stukenberg

9 April, 1921 – 18 October, 2012

Resthaven Cemetery

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