Doris West

Doris J. West, 87, of Oelwein, Iowa, formerly of Randalia, IA, and Mission, Texas, died of natural causes at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein on Sunday evening, October 7, 2018.

Graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 at the Alpha Cemetery, Alpha, Iowa with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oelwein.

Inurnment will be held at the Alpha Cemetery, Alpha, Iowa.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Maynard, is assisting the family.

Online obituary is at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Doris Jane Buenzow was born on September 28, 1931, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest Fred & Hattie (Pfahning) Buenzow. 

She graduated from West Union High School with the class of 1948.  Doris was united in marriage to Leslie George West, Sr. on December 17, 1960, in West Union, Iowa. 

Doris worked at the Fayette County Recorder's office at the courthouse in West Union for 41 years, the last three years as the Fayette County Recorder, retiring in 1993. She had formerly been a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard.  During the prime of her life, Doris enjoyed traveling, fishing, and playing cards with friends and family.  She kept active during retirement by engaging in activities with friends in Texas, including bingo, card games, numerous social activities. ‘Grandma’ was known for her excellent cooking and baking and always had a cookie for her guests.  Her pleasant demeanor and strong moral character will be missed. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to David and Sherry Scheffert for all of the help and support they have given Doris over the years.

Doris is survived by her three sons: James West of Harvard, Illinois; David (Jill) West of North Liberty and

John (Hope) West of Randalia; four step children: Leslie (Ruth) West, Jr. of New Waverly, Texas; Michael (Teresa) West of New Waverly, Texas;  Mary (Gary) Anderson of Mason City and

Lila McCracken of Lancaster, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; one great grandson; a sister, Arlene Brickman of Oelwein and a brother, Dale (Janette) Buenzow of Marion.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leslie, on May 10, 2011; a stepdaughter, Jane Archibeque; and a brother, Kenneth Buenzow.