06/12/2026
Dorothy Ann Hingtgen, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, as a result of age-related illnesses. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, where a one-hour visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Patrick Cemetery in rural Fairfax, Iowa.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dan, and their three sons, John of West Sacramento, California, Steven of Montpelier, Vermont, and James of Durango, Colorado; born in Germany, San Diego, and Cedar Rapids, respectively. Also, a sister-in-law, Joyce Nolte of rural Norway, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert of Watkins, Iowa, Virgil of Las Vegas, Nevada, Lloyd of rural Norway, Iowa, and William of Cedar Rapids; and two sisters, Kathleen Cronin of Anaheim, California, and Hilda Altmaier of Iowa City.
Dorothy was born on February 5, 1931, in Iowa City, to Leo and Madeline (Klein) Nolte, who farmed in the Watkins area. She attended Norway High School and Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where she obtained her teacher certification. She later attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, and the University of Iowa, where she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees in education.
She taught, initially for six years, in one-room country schools in Johnson County, then Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids, before her marriage; and later, 16 years at Central City Elementary School as a special education teacher. In addition to teaching, her interests included piano, flower gardening, sewing, and travel, including eight ocean cruises, the last to Australia and New Zealand.
Dorothy was a giving person, seldom concerned with her own welfare. Surmounting various physical problems, she was objective and tireless. She was named Iowa’s Older Worker of the Year in 2002 and was given a trip to Washington, DC for the national convention, meeting Senators Grassley and Harken at that time.
She was a devoted wife and mother, joyously raising her three sons. Dorothy loved all children and was a strong advocate of individualized teaching, allowing each child to advance at his or her own learning level. She developed many friends among students, parents, and teachers over the years and will be warmly remembered by all. She was a blessing to all she met. She lived a full life of dedicated and selfless service.
Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dorothy’s name can be sent to Metro Catholic Outreach or the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP).
