DEBORAH JEAN DORWART

Deborah Jean Dorwart, age 65 of Sidney, NE died quietly and peacefully in her sleep at home, Friday, December 16, 2016.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, December 22nd. Wake services will be at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 21st. Both services will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Heithoff officiating. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday from 1-4:00 P.M. to sign Deborah’s register book and drop off condolences for the family. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Deborah’s name to St. Patrick’s Music Ministry. You may view her Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Deborah’s care and funeral arrangements.
Deborah Jean Dorwart, the daughter of Clinton Bonaventure Sr. and Lucille Marguerite (Keller) Dorwart, was born on July 10, 1951 at Sidney. After graduating from Sidney High School in 1969, Deb attended Regis College, earning her teaching degree with English and Speech as her specialties. She also attended Chadron State College to receive her Nebraska certification to teach in the state. It was there that she discovered a passion for drama and the arts which she later enjoyed teaching. She spent many years teaching in small Nebraska towns before going to Tennessee to advance her studies. Upon returning to Nebraska, Deb settled in Sidney working at the Office of Human Development while living with her mother, Lucille, to help her through various illnesses. Upon Lucille’s death, Deb returned to OHD until she was injured and could no longer do the job. Then fate intervened five years ago and found the perfect job for her, one that allowed her to utilize her teaching skills while at the same time using all she had learned at OHD. She became a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department at the local high school and worked tirelessly to insure that these special young men and women received the very best she had to offer.
Deb was active at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She particularly enjoyed the conversations and prayers that she had with the people on the Homebound Ministry list. She was a steadfast worker at the Fall Festival where she enjoyed seeing the kids play the games. Her true love was music and she relished her role as Cantor at Saturday night Masses and as a tenor in the church choir for any and all special events. When the bell choir was founded, she was one of the first to join. She really loved the music, companionship and camaraderie. After her stroke, last Christmas, getting back to all of these activities was a strong motivator.
The early love of theater, drama and music was maintained as a special treat by frequent trips to Denver and Cheyenne for musical and theatrical performances.
Survivors include her brothers and sisters, Charlotte Anne Dorwart of Sidney, Beverly Mulholland and husband Richard of Denver, CO, Clinton B. Dorwart and wife Dianne of Sidney, John K. Dorwart and wife Penni of Denver, Mary Lucille Belisle and husband Alan of Minneapolis, MN, Lt. Commander William D. Dorwart, C.S.C. of San Diego, CA and Charles E. Dorwart and wife Teresa of Omaha. Deb had numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who wish her farewell.
Deb was preceded in death by her parents Lucille K. Dorwart and Clinton B. Dorwart Sr.
We will always remember Deb as an outgoing woman, who loved interacting with people, especially those who shared her love for teaching and music.