Dorothy Alice Stoflet Gouldin
My husband, Denny, and our four boys, Tim, Toby, Adam, and Joey, lived behind Dorothy for several years. She was a wonderful neighbor. I remember she took great delight in having special Halloween treats for the boys. Although an occasional rough baseball game would cause a break in the fence between our yards, it was great being neighbors! Though I have not seen Dorothy often since we moved, I did see her several times here and there and always had a lovely conversation with her. I always used to say she waited a long time for her prince to come, but she surely enjoyed him once he came! The Walsh family does miss Bob, and now will miss Dorothy. Sincerely, Chris Walsh, Tim, Toby, Adam, and Joe Walsh
Chris Walsh and family
Cedar Rapids
IA
I never had the privilege of meeting Dorothy, but while reading her obituary in the Gazette I was moved to tears. I look forward to meeting this dear lady when I also come into our Savior's presence! Her life and legacy is beautiful. My heart goes out to the Gouldin family as you adjust to not having her presence near you in this world anymore. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 - Anna
Anna Pulver
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dorothy was a grand lady and the granddaughter of one of five founding families of Cedar Rapids. During Christmas 1998, I visited Dorothy and shared about her Father's story of the stairway bannister leading to their home's second story. It had been salvaged by her Father during the fire at Milton Wright's (Orville and Wilbur's Father) church in Cedar Rapids. She had been unaware of this. During Christmas 2005, my daughters visited Dorothy in Cedar Rapids and shared with me "that is the coolest lady, I want to be like her when I am old". She was a "cool lady" i.e. when she loaned me her car for a HS date; this was a new, 1965 Ford Mustang with a pony interior. Dorothy was gracious and engaging in conversation. She was a delight to be with and she loved her desserts. Our family will miss our friend, Dorothy.
Daniel Hempel
Ventura
CA
Dorothy loved and was loved. She will continue to be a blessing to those who remember her heart of love. Bless you. Dan and Mary Ann
Dan and Mary Ann Thurmer
Decorah
IA
Dorothy truly was an inspiration to all who knew her. I grew up knowing her and how kind she was to everyone. Dorothy was full of fun, and when we told her we were getting a new puppy, she was so excited that she held a "puppy shower" and we enjoyed her hostess skills and a wonderful afternoon at her house. My entire family grew up with Dorothy at Salem UMC. They have been friends of our family forever -- and Dorothy will truly be missed. I was so happy that she and Bob found each other and married. I often got to house sit for Miton (their cat) when they would travel. What an incredible woman, what a loving person, and what a great void we all feel now that she has gone to Heaven. We know she is smiling down on her family and friends. God bless you at this sad time, with love, Craig and Debbie (Gallagher) Mrkvicka Alberta Gallagher
Debbie and Craig Mrkvicka
Cedar Rapids
IA
I knew Dorothy from her years at Salem UMC. She was an inspiration. Her bright fashions always made me smile. After she left Salem, I would see her at the HyVee. She was always smiling and positive. I know her life was lived to please God. How blessed she was to have been given Bob and his family to be her family. What a wonderful lady! Blessings -
Percy Caviness
Cedar Rapids
IA
I got to know Dorothy when I was a junior in college and she had just become a widow. She graciously hosted many students for our weekend visits from Decorah to River of Life. Her hospitality and love for us was so appreciated. The first time I met her she asked if I knew who I was going to marry, and since I didn't she whipped out a notebook and wrote down my name and promised to pray for me and God's match for me. I know she kept her word - there were several times I'd stay with her and would see her with her prayer notebook interceding for so many people. Three years later I got to introduce her to my fiance (now husband) and we got her blessing! Dorothy will leave a lasting legacy with her humble witness, bold faith, and deep love. Well done, good and faithful servant! We look forward to spending eternity with her!
Rebecca (and Thad) Rutter
Dakota
IL
You can't think of Dorothy without remembering her smile. She was a woman small in stature; big with determination. Even in the latter years of her life, she continued to touch hearts - some of us living outside the Cedar Rapids area. We celebrate her embrace in the Lord's arms! She was an example of living a full life.
Jo-El Lopez
Farley
IA
I will miss seeing Dorothy for lunch at the Marriott, we had so many nice talks and alot of laughs.She told me she didn't know why she was still here on earth that God hadn't come for her yet.She said he must have more work for her to do here on earth.I know she was such an inspiration for me.I will miss her so much but I will see her again some day.
marva swanson
IA
I am part of the "Gouldin" connection! And I just want to say how pleased I am to be so! I remember the first time I met Dorothy (New Years Eve-l980). Bob had become a widow when Ilah died and we invited him to celebrate New Year's Eve with us. He called that morning and asked if he could bring someone to the gathering. Guess who? It was Dorothy and 6 months later on my son. Matt's,10th birthday she and Bob were married. Dorothy and I were more than cousins(by marriage) we actually were sisters in Christ,in Kappa Delta and PEO! She graduated from Coe in 1933 and I graduated from Coe in 1966. It was Coe that brought me to Iowa from New York. (My visit to see my cousins in 1956 really gave me a desire to go to a small mid western liberal arts college.) Dorothy has been an integral part of our family life. My children have been blessed by her prayer for them and her real presence in their lives. She was such an inspiration to us all. Love, don't hate! Don't fear,perfect love casts out all fear! I love you, Dorothy, and my cousins Sybil,John,Rebecca and their families. I'm thankful for the "Gouldin" connection!
Flo Brinkmann
Cedar Rapids
IA
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 - - Today's Upper Room scripture is Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." What an appropriate reminder of Dorothy!
Percy Caviness
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dorothy was sweet person when i meet her at river of life church. She will be greatfully miss by me. And as member of river of life church. All my thoughts and prays will go to the family during this time of lost of Dorothy
Carol Engler
cedar rapids
IA
To Dorothy's famiy; We were amazed with her love, concern, help, saintliness, and energy. Anyone who can get their own parking place at her church is super special.
Gene & Betty Smith
Cedar Rapids
IA
I love Dorothy for so many reasons...first among them that she was the kind of person I hope someday to be. When I was just out of college, newly married, and living in CR, Dorothy welcomed a number of us younger people to hang out with her in her living room, use her laundry facilities, and share life. She was always immensely interested in everything we had to say. And she had so much wisdom. I was always struck by her hope and her beauty. She lived her life for as long as I knew her growing closer to Jesus, and thus more lovely. What an amazing inspiration! As a young woman, Dorothy was a shining hope to me of what it would look like to live life well, with grace and generosity and love, well into the years when many fall into despair or bitterness. I will never forget her.
Andrea Brinkert
Mankato
MN
Dear Sybil, John and Becky, I'm so sorry to learn about the loss of your mom, dad and now your step-mom. It's been probably 40 years or more since I've seen any of you but have thought of you all many, many times. In the memorial pictures, I remembered your dad right away! He never changed - from the time Becky and I were 3 years old until those pictures were taken. I'd love to hear back from any of you if you get a chance. We'll always be some of those kids who grew up together and who now have grandchildren older than we were then. Please know my prayers are with all of you during this difficult and sad time. Many blessings, Cathy
Cathy (Matus) Nunemaker
Westminster
CO
Today is April 10, 2009 and I just learned of Dorothy's passing when a Valentine I sent her in February was returned in the mail. Dorothy was my grandfather's first cousin. His mother Ada and Dorothy's mother Maude were sisters from the Kelsey family in Cedar Rapids. When I was a boy I met the 4 Staufflets when my grandfather, Jim Orton took me to Cedar Rapids for the Kelsey Family reunion in 1960. I met Dorothy only that one time but we had reconnected lately, exchanging cards and phone calls. She was a neat lady, a sweet connection to my family's past and I'll miss her.