Dick Dorner

Richard Dorner will be most remembered for being a fun-loving, likeable guy with a great sense of humor. He was also much more. Dick was a decisive man with drive and perseverance who accomplished many great feats in life. His determination was an inspiration to many.

Dick was born in South Bend, Indiana on May 21, 1928 to a young, single mother. Her parents took Dick in as their own and raised him in Elkhart, Indiana. He was born just a year before the Great Depression which meant that his childhood was full of homemade toys and imaginative play. With his mischievous nature, he found himself many times about to be in trouble but he would hear, "Dickie didn't do it." He somehow appeared innocent of the pranks and misfortunate events that happened so often around him. At the young age of fifteen, he lied about his age and joined the army. His army adventure brought him to serve in Alaska. Once he was discharged he headed to Jackson, Michigan where he completed his schooling and received a diploma.

After high school, Dick decided to try his hand at engineering school so he took some courses at Ball State in Muncie, Indiana. After a few semesters, he was persuaded by the college that it may be in his best interest to find another major. While he should have been studying, one night he was partying with his friends at a local bar and by morning he found himself enlisted in the Marines. Although he was never sent to Korea, he did spend three years serving in the corps from 1951-1954. At the time he enlisted, Dick was dating Delores Johnson.

After completing Marine Basic Training, Dick and Delores were wed on May 3, 1951. The young couple lived for awhile at Camp Lajeune NC with their dog, which was a boxer. That boxer was always having problems and Dick had to make frequent trips to the vet to have him worked on. While he was there he found him self intrigued with the work of the vet. It fascinated him so much that he decided to pull up his boot straps and head back to college. With great strength and determination, he completed his D.V.M. degree from Michigan State in 1959. As a Vet, Dick belonged to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Calhoun County Veterinary Medical Association, Kalamazoo County Veterinary Medical Association, Southwest Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Fellowship of American Academy of Veterinary and Comparative Toxicology and Michigan Society for Medical Research. Dick spent years excelling in his field and he owned several animal clinics in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and even in Guam.

Although Dick's work kept him very busy, he always tried to reserve Sundays to be with his family. Dick, Delores and their three kids, Bruce, David and Diane spent many Sundays horseback riding together or going on fox hunts. The family also took vacations all over, but their most memorable ones were when they took a camper to Yellowstone and when they went to St. Croix.

Dick had many hobbies and one he could enjoy right near his Galesburg home. The house was set on a peaceful scenic view of the Kalamazoo River where Dick enjoyed casting a line out. He was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed computers, photography and scuba diving. In his spare time, he managed to serve in various capacities in Texas Township government and school districts.

Life was fun for Dick, but nothing was more fun for him than spending time with his precious grandchildren. He had five grandchildren, all of whom he loved being with, reading stories & telling jokes to, and making up silly limericks with. Being a grandpa was perfect for Dick because he never really grew up himself. Dick had the unbelievable chance to witness the birth of his grandson Bryce and it was an unforgettable moment in his life.

Dick Dorner was known as a very professional, likable and reasonable man. Because of his personable way of relating, he was even well liked by those who disagreed with his opinions. In return, Dick was never one to judge others on their appearance and he took the time to give everyone a fair shake.

Dick enjoyed and appreciated every day he had on this earth. Although he lived light heartedly, he did not take life for granted and he cherished the moments he had with those he loved. Dick will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Richard Dorner (Doc), age 78, died on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. To learn more about Dickie, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Sunday from 2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 am at the same location. Members of his family include his wife Delores, 2 sons: Bruce and David, a daughter Diane and her husband Don Doorlag and 5 grandchildren. Please visit Doc's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, or sign the on-line guest book. Memorial donations may be made to a scholarship fund to be set up in his name at the Galesburg-Augusta Education Foundation, 1076 N 34th Street, Galesburg 49053.