Doris Ellen Rawalt

Doris Ellen (Hallsted) Rawalt, 96, of Chadron, Nebraska, passed away from dementia on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Pine Haven Living Center in Pine Island, MN where she resided for the past three years. Doris was born April 18, 1919 in Hay Springs, Nebraska, the first of two daughters to Leroy Isaac and Elbe (Sheffner) Hallsed.She attended grade school in Hay Springs and the family moved to Crawford, Nebraska where she graduated from Crawford High School with the class of 1936.Doris then went to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and graduated in 1941 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. On October 13, 1942 Doris was united in marriage to Verne P. Rawalt in Crawford, Nebraska.Verne was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and worked at the German Prisoner of War Camp at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.Doris was also employed as a civilian worker at the camp.This marriage was blessed with two children daughter, Jeanne and son, Ronald.The family made their home in Lewellen, Nebraska where they owned a Gamble store and in 1954, they moved to Chadron, Nebraska where Doris worked for the U.S. Forest Service and later as a teacher at Hay Springs High School where she retired in 1981.She was active in the First Congregational Church UCC where she especially enjoyed the yearly ice cream social as well as numerous other church activities. After the death of her husband in October 1954, Doris raised her two children in the home she occupied until 2012.Doris enjoyed visiting her sister Peggys ranch in Wyoming as well spending time reading, restoring furniture, doing crafts and sewing projects, gardening, traveling to state and National parks and visiting numerous European countries.She traveled extensively which added in the preparation of material for teaching her classes.Due to declining health, Doris was transferred to Pine Haven Living Center so that she could be close to her daughters family. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Verne; her sister, Peggy Horner and her infant daughter, Julee.Doris will be lovingly remembered by Jeannes family (Tom) Smith of Rochester, MN and Ronalds family (Deb) Rawalt, North Platte, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Julie (Ryan) Clouse of New Brighton, MN Courtney (Gary) Bull of Apple Valley, MN, Rebecca (Cameron) Chin of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ben Rawalt of Lincoln, Nebraska and Rachel Rawalt of Denver, Colorado; five great grandchildren, Quinn, Adele, Ethan, Liam and Oliver; and nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials to First Congregational Church UCC, 370 Chadron Avenue, Chadron, Nebraska 69337. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester, MN is assisting the family with arrangements.A memorial services will be held at Chadron, Nebraska at a later date.Condolences to the family can be sent to:Jeanne Smith 1404 Ridge Cliff Lane NE Rochester, MN 55906 Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com