Donna “Dodie” Grant, of Milford, formerly of Okoboji, Lake Panorama and Des Moines, died peacefully at Accura Healthcare of Milford on February 18, 2024. She was 93 years old.
Dodie was born June 26 of 1930, to Arthur and Alberta Emrich in Emmetsburg, IA. She had three older brothers – Harry, Arthur, and Herb, and one younger sister, Gaye. She attended Emmetsburg High School and went on to pursue higher education at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. After completing her studies, she went on to have a long career in elementary education with Des Moines Public Schools, and often spoke fondly about her time as an educator working with young children. She was united in marriage with Harold Grant in Des Moines in 1955 and together they were loving parents to one son, Douglas. Throughout her life, Dodie held a profound love for the Okoboji area, spending many of her post-retirement years there and amassing a grand collection of “Lake Okoboji” t-shirts. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and could often be found cheering loudly at her television whenever the New England Patriots played. Dodie could best be described as “the fun aunt” and loved to socialize and story-tell any chance she got.
Dodie is survived by her nephew Tom (Sue) Emrich of Waterloo and Okoboji, IA; nephew Bob (Sue) Emrich of Ankeny, IA; nephew Jim (Kymberly) Emrich of College Grove, TN; nephew Mark (Kaye) Ryan of Houston, TX; grand-nephew Rich (Samantha) Emrich of Okoboji, IA; grand-niece Krystle (Nick) Powers of Waterloo, IA as well as many other nieces, nephews, and their families. Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, and her son. She will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home of Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com. A private family gathering will be held in remembrance of Dodie at a later date. All memorials can be directed to the Keep Okoboji Blue Foundation in honor of Dodie’s love for the Iowa Great Lakes area.
