Dorothy worked as Roy’s secretary in the family business. Later she used her smile to open doors and complete surveys for the United States Census Bureau. While working for the Census, she traveled throughout the Midwest taking surveys and meeting people. Meanwhile, Roy and Dorothy traversed Illinois while he was the Commander of the Illinois American Legion. Roy died in 2001.
After the passing of Roy, Dorothy met Leo Brown in church where they both played handbells together. They were married in 2002. In addition to handbells, Dorothy and Leo sang in the church choir together. They also enjoyed traveling to all parts of the US including Alaska, Hawaii, New England, and the Caribbean. Dining out was a favorite pastime as Leo would take a photo of Dorothy eating, would send it to family, and the family would have to guess “Where is Mom?”
A lot of people think they had the best mom, but with our mom, it was not a competition. It was a way of life. She walked the walk – and if you were lucky and sat next to her, she talked the talk. She was one of the last generations that carried on a conversation – that told a story. Even more, she loved to sit and hear your story.
At her 100th birthday party, she took the microphone and gave what she described as her dissertation. It was the story of her life. It was the story of the adventures of a century of living. She took us through crossing the United States in a rumble seat car to wading through the waters of the Belleville flood. She recalled names and places with amazing precision. If she met you, she remembered you and your stories. She then retold them. Her memory was the original cassette tape because she could replay the moment with factual specificity. If you didn’t remember something, you’d just call Mom.
In addition to being known for her beautiful smile, Dorothy was also known for her beautiful voice. Fortunate were those who sat next to her in church as her voice lilted and filled the room. She was regularly chosen to sing the National Anthem at the State and National American Legion Conventions. Her rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” will play on in the hearts of her family for years.
Dorothy was a good community servant. When she wasn’t working, raising her children, or shuttling her grandchildren, she was volunteering. You could find her folding church bulletins, volunteering at the Twice Nice Shop, Belleville Bicentennial Shop, LAMS, MindsEye Radio for the Blind, Meals on Wheels, and Zion News, to name a few.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy B. Koeneman; her parents, Hugo and Emma Mevert; her brother, Albert (Annabell) Mevert; and many other family members and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Leo Brown, whom she married on April 13, 2002; her son, Mike (Karen) Koeneman; her daughters, Rebecca (Dan) Schnitzius and Laura (Carol Bartle) Grandy; six grandchildren, Keri (Jason) Hinson, Christopher (Jennifer) Davis, Scott (Danielle) Koeneman, Jules (Jason) Hunter, Todd (Catherine) Davis, and Joe (Chris Voss) Grandy; seven great-grandchildren, Connor Davis, Carter Hinson, Easton Koeneman, Calvin Hunter, Harrison Hunter, Elliana Koeneman, and Betty Davis; she is also survived by two stepchildren, Greg (Sheila) Brown and Amy (Jim) Condron; and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Belleville Family Hospice and Mercy Rehab and Care Center for the amazing and loving end-of-life care our mother received.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church and Shriners Children’s St. Louis. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Chris Spelbring and Pastor Gary Byers officiating.
Burial will be at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.