Dorothy Francis, 96
Dorothy Francis, 96, of Council Bluffs, IA, formerly of Marshalltown, IA, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 17, 2023, at The Heritage at Fox Run in Council Bluffs. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held beginning 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Methodist Church or the Marshalltown Food Box. The inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. The Memorial service will be live-streamed on the Anderson Funeral Homes Facebook page. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Dorothy was born to her parents Cecil and Clayton Brenner on November 30, 1926, in Lawrence, KS, where her father was finishing law school. The family moved to Olathe, KS, where Dorothy graduated high school. She then attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet. It was there that she met her future husband, Richard. They were united in marriage in 1950 and moved to Marshalltown in 1952. Dorothy taught private music lessons for many years, while honing her writing skills. After many published poems and short stories, her first Childrens’ book, “Adventure at Riverton Zoo” was published in 1966. She had over 80 books published, the last one being “Daquiri Dock Murder” published in 2012. Her last five books had a Key West, FL, background as she and Richard spent many winter months there.
Dorothy played trumpet for many years in the Marshalltown City Band. She was a member of the Twentieth Century Club, a 50-year member of P.E.O., Chapter JU, a 65-year member of Tuesday Musical Club and lifetime member of the Methodist Church.
Dorothy is survived by her two daughters; Pat Pocius, of Colorado Springs, CO, Ann Francis, of Omaha, NE, two grandsons; Dan (Amy) Pocius, of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrew (Kristie) Tank, of Ames, IA, and three great grandsons: Roland Pocius, George and Charlie Tank.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Cecil Brenner, and her husband, Richard Francis.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice and the wonderful care staff at the Heritage, especially her private nurse, Vanetta Reed for her constant care and concern.