Doris E. Havemeier

Obituary

Doris Evalin Havemeier was born on March 18, 1928, in Iona, Minnesota. She was the 8^th child born to Robert and Christine Sturges. Doris was baptized on July 22, 1928, at Iona Presbyterian Church in Iona. The family moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, when she was three years old. Her fondest memory was going to 1^st grade in Hutchinson in a covered wagon school bus drawn by horses. Doris attended Hutchinson Public Schools until 3^rd grade and went to country School District 75 through 8^th grade. She participated in competitions and received many awards while in school. Doris was a 4-H member for 10 years participating in two clubs.

Doris was confirmed April 13, 1941, at Vineyard Methodist Church in Hutchinson and also confirmed on May 29, 1947, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Minnesota. She graduated from Hutchinson High School on May 26, 1946.  Doris and John Havemeier were engaged on August 6, 1945, and united in marriage on November 10, 1946, at Vineyard Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Doris and John resided in New Ulm from 1946 to 1951. They were blessed with four children: Gary, Brad, Cindy and Bret. Doris was a bookkeeper at Farmer’s Elevator in Hutchinson for 8 ½ years until John started Havemeier Accounting where she worked with him for 25 years.

Doris taught Sunday School Release time classes at the Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Doris was in the Sweet Adeline’s Singing Group for 44 years and a member of the Crimson Crowns Red Hat Group. She was a member of the Dorcas Club at Peace Lutheran for 61 years, where she was the President and Secretary of the Dorcas Club for a period of time. Doris was a very active member in the community helping out with many groups.

Doris and John enjoyed traveling; taking many trips to many countries in Europe. In addition, they traveled across the United States, visiting many states and taking a Caribbean cruise for their many anniversaries together. Doris loved sewing, creating many beautiful square dancing dresses and outfits for both her and John. They danced together for 48 years and attended 36 State Conventions, 1 International Convention, and 9 National Conventions. Doris also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with their families.

Blessed be her memory:

Doris is survived by her:
Children, Gary Havemeier of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Brad Havemeier of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Cindy LaFontaine and her husband, Douglas of Grand Blanc, MI;
Grandchildren, Staci Wisted and her husband, Matt of Esko, MN, Justin Havemeier and his wife, Rozalyn of Highland Park, IL, Melissa LaFontaine of Woodbridge, VA, Destini Doring and her husband, Ted of Hutchinson, MN, Amanda Phillips and her husband, Bryon of San Tan Valley, AZ,
Drew LaFontaine of Grand Blanc, MI, Sara Havemeier of Minnetonka, MN, Hannah Havemeier of River Falls, WI;
6 Great Grandchildren;
Sisters, Helen Retzlaff of Hutchinson, MN,
              Alice Bandemer of Glencoe, MN,
Brother, Delmer Sturges of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives, family, and friends.

Doris is preceded in death by her Husband, John Havemeier; Parents, Robert and Christine Sturges; Son, Bret Havemeier; Brothers, Lester Sturges, Kenneth Sturges, Donald Sturges; Sisters, Norma Veenhuis, and Edith Deal.