Dorothy Louise Forristall

Dorothy Louise Forristall, the daughter of Earl and Laura (Herman) Brock, was born September 8, 1919 in New Orleans, LA and died at the Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland, IA at the age of 91 years, 6 months, and 6 days.

Dorothy attended school in New Orleans and went on to graduate from Newcomb College, which is a part of Tulane University. On January 26, 1946 she was united in marriage to James Laverne Forristall in New Orleans. They moved to a farm near Macedonia, IA where they farmed and raised cattle. In 1948, they moved to a farm eight miles east of Oakland. Dorothy began working for the Department of Human Services in Cass County where she became the director. After retiring, they continued to live on the farm until 1999, when they moved into Oakland. In 2004, Dorothy moved to Oakland Heights Assisted Living. James died July 17, 2007. Failing health caused Dorothy to become a resident of Oakland Manor Nursing Home in May of 2010.


While living in Macedonia, Dorothy was active in the Macedonia Methodist Church and became active in the Oakland Congregational Church after moving to the farm near Oakland. She taught Sunday school and was active in the ladies circle. Dorothy enjoyed helping with the elementary reading program, with adult literacy, and had taught piano lessons. She enjoyed sewing and had made many clothes for her children. She volunteered at the Oakland Manor Nursing home where she had "Dorothy's Corner", where she talked about her travels.


Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband James, her parents, her brothers Edwin and Wendell, and her sister Betty Jane.


She is survived by her children Cathey Grosvenor of Oakland, IA and Larry Forristall and wife Kathy of LaMoille, IL; her grandchildren: Cynthia Owen, Bradley Grosvenor, Kim Lauer and husband Steve, Megan Forristall, and Ryan Forristall and wife Misty; her great grandchildren: Alex, Adam, Jessica, Andres; and her brother-in-law Gerald Forristall.


Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Oakland Congregational Church. Rev. Charles Pleak and Rev. Shirley Textor officiating. Interment will be at the Macedonia Cemetery at Macedonia. Open visitation will be at the Oakland Congregational church after 2:00 PM on Sunday. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday evening at the Oakland Congregational Church from 6:00- 7:30 PM. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.