Doris Lorraine Olinger

Doris Lorraine Olinger, 93, of Toddville, Iowa, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospice on Saturday, February 8, 2025. A private graveside service will be held at Oliphant Cemetery in rural Center Point, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Doris was born on May 11, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Melvin and Thelma (Brown) Miller. She graduated from Marion High School in 1949 and married Theodore Robert “Ted” Olinger on August 28, 1952, in Robins, Iowa. A dedicated homemaker and loving mom, she also played an active role in Ted Olinger Construction, working alongside Ted every step of the way. 

Doris had a deep passion for quilting, completing puzzles, playing Scrabble, and treasured time spent with her family. She crafted quilts with the women’s group at Alice Methodist Church, a place she deeply loved and where her strong faith flourished. She enjoyed fishing alongside Ted and appreciated their scenic drives and annual visits to Minnesota. Known for her gentle nature, she took great pleasure in tending to her flower garden and observing the wildlife around her home. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Survivors include her children, Steve Olinger of Toddville, Becky Olson of Fridley, Minnesota, Anita (Jim) Thompson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Peter Olinger of Toddville; her grandsons, Trent and Ty Thompson; sisters, Marie Maxfield of Robins, and Helen Andrews of Cedar Rapids, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Ted Olinger; sister, Nelda Hoover; son-in-law, Kent Olson; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Olinger. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke’s Hospice or Alice Methodist Church.