Dorothy Reifenrath

Dorothy A. Reifenrath, 87, of Lafayette, died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at St. Anthony's Health Care. She had been in failing health for four months.
Born in Kentland, Indiana on July 7, 1922, she was the daughter of Herman Diedam and Mary Rheude Diedam. She graduated from A.J. Kent High School, St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, Catholic University of America and St. Mary's-of-the-Woods College. On September 14, 1946 she married John B. "Jack" Reifenrath in Kentland. He died July 19, 1976.
Mrs. Reifenrath was active in nursing in this community for fifty years. She was a supervisor in OB at St. Elizabeth Hospital and then a nurse in the office of Drs. Cole and Rutherford. Known affectionately as "Mrs. R.", she was a nursing instructor at Ivy Tech for fourteen years. During the administration of Mayor James Riehle, she served as member of the Lafayette Board of Health and as City Health Nurse retiring in 1991. While working there, she was instrumental in writing the grants and establishing what is now the Riggs Community Health Clinic. On May 13, 1991 she was named a "Distinguished Hoosier" by then Governor Evan Bayh for her service to the Greater Lafayette community and the State of Indiana.
A lifelong member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, she was active in Catholic Nurses, a past president of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, a past officer of the Business and Professional Women's organization, and a past officer of the local Catholic Daughters organization. She was also a member of the Alpha Chapter of the Delta Sigma Kappa sorority, the Ninth Street Hill Association and was a longtime volunteer of the Red Cross and the Children's Corner. Mrs. Reifenrath enjoyed travel, her various card clubs, and most of all her legion of friends.
Surviving are a daughter, Carol Mallett (husband Craig) of Lafayette, and four sons, Thomas (wife Sharon) of Bradenton, FL., John (wife Cindy) of Decorah, IA, Michael of Cincinnati, OH and James (wife Brenda) of Lafayette. Also surviving are three sisters, Marge Cheek of Kentland, Rita Weiss of Las Vegas, NV, and Alice Catron of Tampa FL. She was beloved "Grandma Dee Dee" to thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Raphael, David and John Diedam.
Friends may call at the HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL HOME, 1104 Columbia St. from the Rosary at 4:45 until 8:00 PM Thursday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 30 at 10:00 AM at St. Boniface Church Fr. Tim Alkire, Celebrant; Msgr. Robert Sell and Fr. Gustavo Lopez, Concelebrants officiating. Internment at St. Boniface Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Lafayette Catholic Schools. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com