Dorothy Jean (Pilgrim) Keltner

Dorothy Jean Keltner, 95, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born on June 23, 1923, in rural Edgewood, the daughter of Ralph Emerson and Luella Minnie (Hamlett) Pilgrim.  Dorothy was raised and educated in Edgewood and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1940.  She then attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette and received her teaching certificate.  Dorothy taught in rural school for several years. 

On January 23, 1943, Dorothy was united in marriage to Kenneth Appleton in Inglewood, California. One daughter, Susan, was born to this union.  During WWII on October 18, 1945, Kenneth, a test pilot, was killed in an airplane accident.  After Kenneth’s death, Dorothy returned to Edgewood, Iowa, to teach.

On April 25, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to Robert W. Keltner.  Three children, Roberta, LuAnn, and Alan, were born to this union.  Robert passed away on November 22, 1972.  Dorothy attended school in Peosta and then became the activities director for the Edgewood Convalescent Home. She also worked at the Edgewood Public Library. 

Dorothy was an active member of the Pythian Sisters #45 and served as a past chief.  She was also a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the UMW Circle.  Dorothy loved to play bridge. Above all else, Dorothy cherished her family and the time they spent together.

Survivors include her four children, Susan (Barnett) Devine of Windsor Heights, Roberta (James) Carver of Alburnett, LuAnn (Peter M.) Serbousek of Cedar Rapids, and Alan (Cheryl) Keltner of Manchester; seven grandchildren, Nicole Devine (Patrick King), Brendan, Maj. USAF (Ret.)(Twila) Devine, Raechel (Brian) Krogmann, Whitney (Jacob) Wessels, Caleb Carver, Carissa Serbousek, and Erika Serbousek; three step-grandchildren, Wendy (Tony) Wiebold, Michael (Angela) Carver, and Chad (Tish) Carver; four great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; her sister, Rayma Fisher of Edgewood; one nephew, David (Mary) Fisher of Edgewood; and one niece, Bonnie (Steve) Sanders of Dubuque.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Kenneth Appleton and Robert Keltner; a brother-in-law, Robert Fisher; and a sister-in-law, ZiNita B. (Appleton) Davis.

Memorials may be directed to the family or Trinity United Methodist Church.

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