- Date Of Birth: March 19, 1928
- Date Of Death: June 23, 2021
- State: Illinois
Rock City – Doris Tielkemeier, 93 of Rock City, passed away on June 23 at home with family by her side, being diagnosed with cancer in April.
The youngest of six children, Doris was born on March 19, 1928 to Ira and Minnie (Schoch) Zimmerman at their farm house near Rock Grove. She attended Sylvan School and graduated from Orangeville High School as salutatorian in 1945. She worked at Rock City Bank after graduation. On March 7, 1948, she married Francis Tielkemeier and became a farm wife. They put much time and energy into their farm on Pleasant View Road outside of Rock Grove. She and Francis enjoyed bowling leagues in Durand and Davis, at Star Bowl and, later, the Four Seasons in Freeport. They also bowled as a couple at Lakeside Lanes.
After retiring from farming and moving to Rock City in 1974, Doris returned to her banking career, this time at State Bank of Davis. She treasured the friendships she made there. She helped with Discover Club activities that allowed her to stay connected and enjoy several trips after retirement.
Her love for local history led her to become very active in the Rock Run Country Historical Society, opening Treasures of the Past museum in downtown Rock City. Doris belonged to the Happy Day unit of the Stephenson County Home Extension for many years. She and Francis helped at the Stephenson County Ag breakfast for many years.
A long-time member of Rock City United Methodist Church, Doris served the church in many capacities, telling many stories about the Builder’s Class and Mrs. Butterfield. Doris’ cooking was appreciated by many, especially her pies and sweet pickles (now replicated by nephew Merlin and granddaughters Sarah and Amy). Family was her lifeblood; her beloved Chicago Cubs or a few hands of euchre were never far away.
Doris loved gardening and flowers and believed flowers brightened the world. Putting up sweet corn each summer became a family affair. We will always remember her love, grace, compassion and dedication to serving others. Her ever-present sense of humor, especially in these final weeks, brought joy to all visitors, including hospice caregivers.
Known by many as Gramma T., Doris is survived by her three daughters and their families: Carol (Brennan) Kane of San Leandro, CA; Nancy (Gary) Guthrie of Nevada, IA and their son, Eric (Kristine) Guthrie and their son, Theodore; Shelby (Jim) Bordner of Dakota and their children: Steve (Danah) Bordner of Chagrin Falls, OH and their daughters Taylor and Reagan; Sarah (Ryan) Judd of Davis and their daughter Kinsley; Scott (Katie) Bordner of Cape May Courthouse, NJ and their sons Zachary and Wesley; Amy (Jered) While of Marengo and their children Brayden, Paxton, and Paightynn; Kayla (Cole) Miller of Granger, IA and their son Brooks; and Jamie Brooks of Texarkana, AR.
She is also survived by sisters-in-law Neva Wilson and Sharon (Carl) Wise, half-sisters-in-law Gayle Boos and Juanita Evans and many special nieces and nephews and their families as well as her numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her spouse Francis, son Gary, her parents, all of her siblings and spouses: Wendell (Jennie), Wilma (Victor), Mildred (Milton), Marjorie (Manley), Grace (Gladwyn), brothers- and sisters-in-law Darrell (Marcella), Leo (Gladys), Delbert as well as three nieces and two nephews.
