Dorothy Marie Williams

Dorothy Marie Williams, 104, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, surrounded by family. A private graveside service will be held at Coggon Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on February 1, 1921, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Harry and Mable (Gorton) Kepler. A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School, she went on to earn a degree in business administration—a rare and admirable achievement for women of her time. On April 15, 1946, she and Donald Williams slipped away for a quiet elopement in Manchester, Iowa, sealing their vows with a honeymoon at Niagara Falls. Dorothy began her career at a local law firm but soon found her true calling as a devoted homemaker. She was also an active member of the Knights of Pythias Sisters.

She had a spirit for adventure and a heart that craved the open road. Whether it was a quick trip or a mountain getaway, she was always up for the journey. An avid outdoorswoman, she was as comfortable with a fishing rod or rifle in hand as she was in the kitchen. A skilled hunter and fisherwoman, she could catch just about anything—squirrel, rabbit, fish—and turn it into a delicious meal. She was a true markswoman, with an unmatched aim and a fearless attitude.

But her talents didn’t stop there. She was a whiz in the kitchen and a master of homemade comfort. Her cookies were legendary, and her Waldorf cake, Easter lamb cake, holiday Chex Mix, and deviled eggs were family favorites that brought everyone to the table.

When she wasn't baking or adventuring, she enjoyed cheering on her favorites—watching NASCAR races with a soft spot for Chase Elliott, and faithfully supporting her beloved Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes. Later in life, she found joy in the simple pleasures—settling in for Wheel of Fortune or The Price Is Right with Bob Barker, always with a smile.

But beyond all her hobbies, skills, and passions, she was the heart of her family—the best mom and "DotDot" anyone could ever ask for.

Left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Ann (Kenny) Young; granddaughters, Desiree Kupfer, and Harmony Young (Nick Walters); great-grandchildren, Harlee Kupfer, Dylan Pickens, Jonathan Pickens, Camden Neff, Jenna Jo Young, Julian Fonseca, and Ella Young.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; Sisters, Maxine Patton and Loretta Willmott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Camp Courageous.