Marie "Dolly" Zangger

Larchwood, IA Marie Dolly Zangger, age 85 of Larchwood, IA died Monday, June 7, 2010 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, due to a stroke. Memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, with Pastor Kelly Volk officiating. Visitation will be Friday, June 11th from 2:00 " 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 " 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Larchwood. Dolly Unruh was born August 26, 1924, on a farm between Hurley, and Freeman, South Dakota, to Henry and Marie Wek Unruh. She attended Rose Valley School, district #98 in Turner County and in 1942 graduated from Freeman High School as Valedictorian of her class. She attended freeman Junior College, earned her teachers certificate, and taught in rural schools. She married Russell Zangger on May 24, 1944, in her parents home just north of Turkey Ridge, South Dakota. After marriage the couple lived just east of Larchwood, Iowa, where they farmed and developed a private airport. Dolly received her Private Pilots license in 1952 and in 1958 received her Advanced and Instrument Ground School Instructor Ratings enabling her to teach Aviation Ground School which she did for nearly 40 years. On April 9, 2001, Dolly was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame along with her husband, Russell. This was the first time a couple had received such honors in Iowa. Dolly was an active member of the Larchwood United Church of Christ over the years having taught Sunday School, served as Superintendent, acted as President of Womens Fellowship, sang in the choir, acted as youth leader, designed and made banners, served on the Church Council and Building Committees. She was a member of the Lyon County Historical Society having served as its president for three years, was a past member of the South Dakota Civil Air Patrol, and was a member of the Pierien Society and the Lyon County Conservation Foundation. She enjoyed the outdoors and the many wonders of nature. She was an avid birder and conservationist. Survivors include: Russell her husband of 66 years, Jim her son and wife Celia, her grandchildren Kimberly Tucker and husband Justen, Dan Zangger and his fiance Jane, and her great-grandchildren Audrey and Grant Tucker. Also surviving are her two older sisters, Annie Graber and Blondina Zangger. In Leu of flowers memorial may be directed to Lyon County Historical Society.