Dorothy I Doerner

Dorothy I. Doerner, age 97, of Evansville, IN, passed away at 7:33 a.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at The Village at Hamilton Pointe.

Dorothy was the only child of Alfred and Ethel (Tatum) Bauermeister. She was born in Evansville, IN and grew up in the Central United Methodist Church. Dorothy began her education at Bosse School where she spent 8 years in elementary school and 4 years as a high school student. 

After graduating from Bosse, Dorothy attended Evansville College. She was a member of Gamma Epsilon Sigma sorority, the University Choir, and was chosen Homecoming Queen.

She met her future husband, Gus Doerner, at EC and they married in 1943.

At the end of WWII, Gus was discharged, and he and Dorothy moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where Gus played basketball with the Fort Wayne Pistons. When Gus retired from professional basketball, he and Dorothy returned to southern Indiana where he accepted a job at Fort Branch High School as a basketball coach.

Dorothy and Gus raised their three children in Fort Branch and became active members of the Presbyterian Church there. Dorothy was a Sunday School teacher, children’s choir leader, and sang in the choir. She was involved in the community through her activities with Eastern Star and Psi Iota Xi sorority. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Gibson General Hospital. She became an avid golfer during those years playing in the ladies’ and couples’ groups at Princeton Country Club. She was a successful tournament player and even scored a hole-in-one. She and Gus enjoyed many friendships on the golf courses they played during those years.

In 1970, Dorothy and Gus returned to Evansville to be closer to Gus’ business. They soon became members of Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Dorothy served on the Church Council and found many new friends at Bethlehem who became lifelong friends.

Dorothy loved to travel, especially to places where she and Gus could play golf. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the St. Anthony’s soup kitchen, reading, and University of Evansville basketball.

Dorothy is survived by daughters, Karen Hill (Chris) of Birmingham, AL and Gretchen Byers (Larry) of Evansville, IN; son, Scott Doerner (Margo) of Indianapolis, IN; brother in law, Bob Doerner (Barbara) of The Villages, FL; grandchildren, Kristen Schutte (Michael), Allyson Weber (Jake), Andy Byers, Julie Taylor (Scott), Brooke Forrest (Ethan), Lauren Nix (Doug), Alexandria Revis (Justin), and Tyler Doerner; 7 step-grandchildren; great grandchildren, Abigail Dekarske (John), Elinor Schutte, Avery Byers, Madison Byers, Katelyn Byers, Payton Taylor, Logen Weber, Lilly Weber, Grace Weber, and Emery Nix; 2 nieces; and a nephew.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband of 58 years, Wilfred “Gus” Doerner.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Road with Reverend Mark Sirnic officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. 

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Gus Doerner Scholarship at University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47722 or Bethlehem UCC, 6400 Oak Hill Road, Evansville, IN 47725.

Arrangements are being handled by BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net    

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