Doreen Junette Blackburn, resident of Milford, Iowa, born July 6, 1942, in Akron, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital in Auburn, California.
She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and educator.
After earning her BA and later a Ph.D. at Texas Women’s University, Doreen dedicated her life to teaching, specializing in reading education, and mentoring teachers. She spent many years in South Dakota shaping educational programs and positively impacting countless lives, culminating her career as a Professor at George Fox University in Oregon.
She shared nearly 50 years of marriage with her beloved husband Ed Blackburn, who preceded her in death.
Doreen is survived by her children, Michael (Kristine) Blackburn and Beth (Lamont) Carrington; five grandsons, Daniel, Simon (Emily), Nathan Blackburn, Tysen (Yasmine), Trenten (Nicole) Carrington; three great-granddaughters, Ta’Laya, Tamari and Zyra Carrington; siblings, Arlo (Joyce) Swenson, Marge (Daryl) Sanborn, and many cherished family and friends.
Her faith in Christ, love for family, adoration for all things Okoboji, and commitment to education leave a legacy.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by fellowship reception at Downtown Church 2105 N Ave, Milford, IA 51351.
Memorials go to the Okoboji Bible Conference or to Downtown Church, Milford, IA.
