Dorothy Merle Lochner

February 1933 – November 2020

Dorothy Merle Lochner, age 87, was called to her eternal home on November 22, 2020. Dorothy was born in Meriden, Iowa on February 26, 1933 to John and Edith Merle Lochner. She was the second child of eight. Dorothy attended Meriden school, grades K-12. In high school she discovererd her love of sports. Dorothy helped lead her girls basketball team to the State tournament two years, one being when she was still an eighth grader. She accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour at age 15. After high school she attended Trinity Bible College in Chicago. She traveled to Turlock, California with a college friend where she made her home.

Dorothy graduated from Modesto Jr. College with an A.A. and San Jose State College in 1958 with a B.A. degree majoring in Physical Education. Her M.A. degree in Counseling and Guidance would come later from Chapman College.

Turlock High School employed Dorothy in 1958 to teach girls Physical Education for 14 years. She became a counselor in 1972 and retired in 1988. Dorothy was a faithful Turlock High Bulldog all her days.

Dorothy’s love for the Lord led her to serve in many areas of her church. She served as Sunday School teacher, Women’s Ministry leader, Women’s Missionary Society and served on the National Evangelical Free Church of America Mission Board in Minneapolis for 12 years.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents John and Edith Lochner; brothers Dale, Richard and Ronald Lochner; sisters Joyce Hultman, Shirley Lochner, Lois Herron, and Carol Hetrick. She is survived by her dear friend Verna Buerge.

Dorothy enjoyed saying “I will meet you here, there, or in the air.” She would love to see you up there!

Condolences(32)

Warren and Verna Riopel says
December 28, 2020 at 1:35 am

Dear Verna, We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear friend Dottie. My first memory of her is in the basement of the old Evangelical Free Church on Lander. She was in charge of “Livewires”. We will miss her great sense of humor and her dedication to the Lord.
(I remember her saying that quote.) Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Carolyn Pritchard Humphrey says
December 9, 2020 at 9:04 pm

I remember Miss Lochner from high school PE. Being the non-athletic type, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out ways to get of participating and am afraid I gave her some trouble which I now regret. She still managed to teach me a few things and earned my respect. Miss Buerge, you were my home economics teacher during that time. My condolences for your loss.
Jennifer Ensley says
December 8, 2020 at 9:17 pm

Verna,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Dot. Dorothy was one of my favorite people that I worked with at THS. She was so kind and had such a clever wit. We had many laughs together. I even got out of jury duty once because of her. She had been the counselor for the plaintiff and when questioned if I knew any of the witnesses I said, “Yes, and I would believe anything she said”. His attorney promptly dismissed me. Throughout the years I have thought of the two of you often (it was fun running into you at Walmart some time back). You are very much in my thougths at this time. May wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Linda Angelakis says
December 2, 2020 at 11:19 pm

Miss Lochner was my PE teacher and she was a great one! Such a sweet person and fun too. My her memory be eternal, she will be missed.
Cheryl Casey Baker says
December 2, 2020 at 8:30 pm

I have so many memories of her as my P.E. She always told me when I saw her over the years that I gave her gray hair. She was a great teacher. I was glad I got to see her in 2016 for our 50th class reunion. I love this lady.
Judy (Herring) Harrill says
December 1, 2020 at 5:43 pm

My PE teacher, my daughter and sons’ counselor. One of my favorite teachers! We had so many good times with her. She will be missed dearly but never forgotten.
Sharon Daniel Amos says
December 1, 2020 at 6:10 am

RIP always a joy talking with you and after graduation I even had the pleasure of delivering your mail. Hope you remember me when we meet again in the air.