Doris Calkins

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Doris Mae (nee Reeves) Calkins was born on a farm near Seney, Iowa on December 4, 1935. Her parents were Clarence and Mae (nee Bock) Reeves and had one older brother, Cletus.

She attended high school in LeMars, Iowa, then went to Westmar College in the same town. There she began volunteering and her volunteer work continued for the next 55 years. Her career as an elementary teacher began in Sutherland, Iowa, then to Worthington, Minnesota, and Rock Rapids Iowa.

In Worthington, she met Don Calkins, and they were married in 1961. They had 2 daughters, and the family moved to Rock Rapids in 1968. She was a very active member of the First Reformed Church there. She participated in and led Bible Studies, Choir, Stephen’s Ministry, Rest Home Programs, and was in many other activities.

She was on the City Council from 1975-1979 and was a member of Christian Women’s Club, Red Hat Society, and BPW (Business and Professional Women). One of her favorite parts of being in that group was the annual Art Show. She was an avid reader and read to many children in her volunteering at school after she retired and one of her favorite places was the Kids Klub. She played her piano regularly at home, loved music, poetry and gardening.

She dearly loved her 7 grandchildren and prayed for them daily. She enjoyed making food that each one liked. And when they became adults, she wrote to each one weekly and inserted Bible verses, quotes, comics, and stories that she thought each one would enjoy.

She is survived by her husband, Don; daughters, Diane (Newton) Vencil from Shelby, Ohio, Debra (Leonard) Johnson from New Richmond, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Dana Reeves from Branson West, Missouri; grandchildren, Kenan Rasko, Ian (Rosie) Vencil, Annalena Vencil, Cora Story, Vivien Vencil, Andy (Annie) Johnson, Nate (Stephanie) Johnson; ten great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mae Reeves; and brother, Cletus Reeves.

Blessed be her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February, 3, 2025 at 10:30AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave New Richmond, WI 54017) with a visitation starting at 10:00AM. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.