Dolores Gulbranson, daughter of Fern and Loren Thomas, was born June 3, 1929 in Sioux City, Iowa. She met the love of her life, Merlyn “Merk” Gulbranson while in high school in Trent, SD where they were half of the graduating class of 1947. Merk and Dody were united in marriage on July 28, 1947. They became the proud parents of 5 children; four sons, Randy, Gary, Guy, Kevin, and a daughter Gay. Her children and their spouses blessed her with 15 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, a sister, and a granddaughter. She is survived by her sister, Lorene Beatty.
Dody loved her family and loved her Lord. She was an excellent student of God’s Word and loved the opportunities she had over the years to teach others through Bible Study classes and programs. During their retirement years, she and her husband, Merk, enjoyed volunteering with Christian organizations in short-term mission projects. She loved sharing her life’s story and faith at Christian Women’ and Couple’s Clubs.
Dody had a love for music that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Some of the family’s favorite memories were formed either singing and playing together or performing for others. It seemed appropriate that she slipped from this life into eternity listening to her daughter sing one of her favorite hymns, In The Garden.
For most of her life she lived in and around Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The last few years were spent near family in Des Moines, Iowa. Dolores died peacefully on the morning of July 28, a day that also represented her 68th wedding anniversary. She will be greatly missed by her family but they are assured that they will be reunited with her in heaven.
An Interment service will be in the Trent Cemetery at Trent, SD at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2015. Memorials may be made in Dody’s name to The Gideons International. Condolences may be left at www.kahlerfh.com.