Dorothy Rieman

Dorothy Rieman, 97, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Dorothy was born on January 7, 1911 to Harvey and Birdella West in Mitchellville, Iowa. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to East Broadway area family farm in Northeast Des Moines where she spent the remainder of her life. She graduated from East High School in 1928 and was one of the early female graduates of Capitol City Commercial College. On September 4, 1933 she married C. Frank Rieman and settled on the family farm where they raised their son Paul, and daughter, Pam.
Dorothy began work for A. Leach Music and in 1950; she and Frank co-founded Rieman Music at their home on East Broadway where she worked for the remainder of her life. Dorothy helped start Iowa Bandmasters, served as Secretary of West School District for 20 years, and assisted with the formation of Southeast Polk School District. She was Worthy Matron of King David Lodge of Altoona, Daughters of the Nile, and Phi Sigma Alpha sorority where she served as secretary treasurer. She was a longtime member of Highland Park Christian Church and Altoona Christian Church where she met Frank. Dorothy was also a lifetime member of Wally Byam Caravan Club International (Airstream Club) as well as Iowa Travel Trailer Club.
Music was Dorothy’s life, and she loved to attend band concerts and music presentations. She treasured traveling and camping all over the United States in their Airstream trailer with Frank and Mike Jr. In her later years, Dorothy’s special beloved companions were her daughter, Pam, grandchildren Brandy and Mike Donahue, Jr. Mike Jr. was a constant helpful companion to her and Frank in their golden years.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank and her sister Alice. She is survived by her daughter, Pam and husband Mike Donahue Sr.; son, Paul and wife Judi Rieman; grandchildren, Mike Donahue Jr., Brandy Donahue, as well as Hansel, Nelson and Michael Rieman and great-granddaughter, Olivia. Sister-in-law, Ruth Rieman; nephews, Robert Nolen and Gary Rieman; niece, Jean Buechler; and great nephews, Bill Hansen and Jack Hansen.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Highland Park Christian Church, 4260 NW 6th Dr., Des Moines. Interment at Altoona Cemetery. Family will visit with friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th St. Altoona.
Memorial contributions can be made to Highland Park Christian Church or The American Heart Association, 1111 9th Street Ste 280 Des Moines, Iowa 50314.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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