Dorcas Youel, 106, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Dougherty Hospice House with her daughters by her side. Her funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024 in the Trent Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Trent Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com
Dorcas Lucille Anderson was born on September 12, 1917, the daughter of Ole and Emma (Nelson) Anderson. She was third in a family of eight children. She grew up on a farm Southeast of Trent and attended school at Nelson Country School. She attended Trent High School and graduated in 1935. She met Vernon Youel in high school. They were married on February 23, 1940 on her family farm. The couple made their home on a farm Southeast of Trent for five years before moving to their farm Northeast of Trent for over 55 years. Vernon and Dorcas moved into Dell Rapids in 1999. Vernon passed away on September 21, 2009. Dorcas lived in her Dell Rapids home until she was 100 and then moved to Orchard Hills where she resided for the last seven years of her life.
As a mother, Dorcas supported her daughters with their school and community activities. She was baptized in the Trent Baptist Church and was an active member her entire life. Her church was her joy. She was a member of the American Baptist Women and the Trent Bible Study Club.
Dorcas also enjoyed supporting the people in her community. She frequently sent notes to encourage, recognize or celebrate their special occasions or accomplishments.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Byron, Merle,Warren and Donald and her sisters, Helen Woodhouse and Rhoda Otten, her sons-in-law, Newell Johnson and Vincent Freiberg
Dorcas is survived by her daughters, Barbara Johnson of Big Rapids, MI, Beverly Freiberg of Saratoga, CA and LaVonne Youel of Pleasanton, CA; her two granddaughters, Julie Cole of Big Rapids, MI and Cindee (Stephen) Wilcox of Newaygo, MI; her great grandson, Trenton Cole; her brother, Gordon Anderson and her many nieces and nephews.
