Dora Biederman

Dora Biederman, age 87, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Faith Home Lutheran Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at United Church of Christ in Osage with Reverend Dixie Laube officiating. The visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Inurnment will be at the Osage Cemetery.

Dora was born October 31 (Halloween was her favorite holiday!), 1938 in New Underwood, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Jerry and Grace (Shaffer) Dohler. She grew up on the family ranch near Rapid City, South Dakota and attended a one room schoolhouse as the only person in her grade. She thoroughly enjoyed growing up on the ranch and had many stories from that time. She completed 8th grade there and then her family moved to St. Ansgar, Iowa. Dora graduated from St. Ansgar High School, then attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI). After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught elementary grades in Grand Meadow, Minnesota; Clear Lake, Iowa; and Owatonna, Minnesota.

On August 14, 1965, Dora and Dick Biederman were married at the St. Ansgar Methodist Church. She taught in Osage until son Jon was born. Dora stayed at home for several years with Jon and helped Dick with farm work. She enjoyed driving the tractor and was very good at it, except for backing wagons! Later, Dora substitute taught in Osage for over 30 years. Education was a big part of her life, and she truly enjoyed seeing children learn.

Volunteering was another important thing to Dora. She was active in the Mitchell County Historical Society, ADK, PEO, many church boards, church secretary, Mitchell County Planning and Zoning, and the Osage library board. She was especially proud to have been heavily involved in the planning, coordination, and construction of the Osage public library in 1996. Dora received the governor’s volunteer award in 1993.

Dora was an excellent gardener, both vegetables and flowers. She canned large quantities of vegetables for the family and took pride in her flower gardens. She enjoyed the outdoors, whether just being around nature, fishing with Jon, bicycle riding, or walking. Dora and Dick moved to Osage in 1999. She adapted to city life well, finding new garden areas around town, house and pet sitting for neighbors, and just visiting with their neighbors. Family was important to Dora, and she was very proud of the accomplishments of her granddaughters.

Survivors include son, Jon (Jennifer) of Fayette; granddaughters, Haley (Ethan Hayes) of Waverly and Emma of Iowa City; sisters, Una (John Gerdes) and Sandra (Marvin Hulshizer); several nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, her parents, Jerry and Grace, and brother, Royal Dohler.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.