Dolores C. Gaffney

Dolores Gaffney, age 91, of Storm Lake, Iowa passed away September 21, 2012 at her home of 61 years on Vista Drive in Storm Lake. Dolores was born on November 22, 1920 on a farm west of Storm Lake. She was the first child of Joseph Kestel and Kathryn (Neinhaus) Kestel. Dolores began her education in a one room schoolhouse before attending Hayes School in seventh grade where she graduated in 1939. In the summer of 1936, when Dolores was 15, her father passed away from lung cancer. After that, Dolores and her brothers Don and Gene helped her mom with the farm. There were many challenges as the depression set in, but the family never went hungry and the family stayed on the farm. After high school, Dolores attended Grand Island Business College for two years until WWII broke out. Her excellent clerical skills landed her a job in Washington, DC earning $375 a month as a clerk and typist with the Department of the Navy. In 1943, Dolores returned to Storm Lake where she worked at the courthouse at a clerical position. As the Korean War started, Dolores was put in charge of administration at the local draft board. Dolores married John Gaffney on November 26, 1951 at St. Maryâ€™s Church in Storm Lake. After their honeymoon, they moved into a house overlooking Storm Lake, and lived there for the rest of their lives. For over 56 years, Dolores was a loving wife and homemaker while John ran the Storm Lake Auction Company with his brother Dick, north of town. John passed away on December 17, 2007 after a brief illness. Doloresâ€™ strong faith, stoic determination, and strong community of friends and family saw her through the difficult days that followed. Dolores was always there for her children and grandchildren; she took great pride in their achievements and was always there to lend advice or offer support. A life-long member of St. Maryâ€™s Parish in Storm Lake, Doloresâ€™ Catholic Faith was central in her life. She loved music, and sang in the parish choir for many years and also the Caritas choir until the last few months. Dolores aged with grace and humor, spending time gardening, cooking and visiting her children and grandchildren. She loved dining out at the Boathouse, her son Garyâ€™s restaurant on Lake Avenue in Storm Lake. Dolores could often be found in her favorite booth, chatting with the staff, many of who loved her as their own grandmother. Dolores lived out her final days at home with the help of Buena Vista Home Care and Hospice. She enjoying sitting on the patio enjoying the lake and the warm sun as she watched people passing by. Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully in her own bed. Dolores is survived by three children: Gaylen Nicholas from Austin, Texas, Gary Gaffney from Storm Lake, and Mark (Debbie) Gaffney, Boulder, Colorado; her two brothers: Don (Gladys) Kestel and Gene (Doreen) Kestel; and four grandchildren: Clayton Nicholas, Angela Gaffney, Michelle Gaffney and John (aka Jack) Gaffney. She will also be remembered dearly by a long list of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Kathryn Kestel, and her husband John. Dolores was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend. Though we will miss her terribly, her boundless love will remain with us forever.

Dolores C. Gaffney

November 22, 1920 - September 21, 2012