Doris Marie Blankenship

Doris Marie Thomsen Blankenship, 88, of Waterloo, died Saturday, April 13, 2024, while under the care of UnityPoint Hospice. She was born in Cedar Falls on October 7, 1935, the daughter of Julius and Elva Paulsen Thomsen. Doris graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1954, and married Roger Blankenship on November 26, 1954. To this union, the couple was blessed with two sons, Frederick Allen in 1957 and Lawrence Eugene in 1960. Doris worked for Waterloo Savings Bank as a teller and after several bank name changes, retired from US Bank in 2000. She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Denver, IA.

Doris was proud of her Danish heritage being the first generation born in the US. She only spoke Danish until entering a one-roomed school in Fredsville, before moving to Waterloo. Doris was a loving mother who cared for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always said a phone call from one of them was better than any medication she might take. Doris enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, and trips to her home on the Mississippi River and the associated boating, skiing, fishing, and swimming. She loved to travel and the highlight trip for her was a European cruise that included a trip to Denmark. Doris is especially remembered for her holiday meals of roast duck and goose and her baked dinner rolls.

Doris is survived by her husband of 69 years, Roger, of Waterloo; son Lawrence (Lisa) Blankenship, of Louisburg, KS; daughter-in-law Roxanne Blankenship of Independence; 4 grandchildren, Andrea (Max) Webbeking, Justin (Michelle) Blankenship, Nicholas Blankenship and Spencer Blankenship; 3 great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Maddie and Beau; and sister Linda (Jim) Derifield of Scottsdale, AZ. She was preceded by her son Frederick, in 2017, and her parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, April 19, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, with burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Thursday, April 18 from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Memorials should be directed to UnityPoint Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.