Luanne Dooley

** Updated Service Information ** Due to the blizzard warning in our area, the funeral service for Luanne Dooley has been moved to 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Luanne Dooley, age 75, of Yankton, South Dakota died Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton, South Dakota.

Funeral services are 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington, Nebraska, with Joyce Cook officiating.  Burial will be in the Hartington City Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Pallbearers are: Holly Pedersen, Zack Pedersen, Liz Schenkel, Travis Schultz, Brandi Pedersen, Derek Schenkel, and Tanner Pedersen.  Honorary pallbearers are: Kenzie Pedersen, Garret, Charlie, and Tommy Schultz.

Luanne was born on March 19,1948 to Francis and Lillian (Lindemann) Smith of Hartington Nebraska. Luanne graduated from Cedar Catholic High School and married the love of her life, Gary on September 17, 1966. Together, they built a life in Hartington, Nebraska, where they welcomed and raised their daughter, Shelly. Luanne dutifully served as a Deputy Clerk at the Cedar County Court House for many years and took pride in assisting fellow community members while also impeccably managing her home and caring for her family, even delivering hot meals to Gary and Shelly when they were working across town during mealtimes.

Never idle, Luanne was active in her community, skilled at crocheting and needlepoint, a great cook and hostess of events, and a hoot around a card table or at a bowling alley with friends and family. She was a servant-hearted, constant presence and took great care of those she loved, including her parents as they aged. Upon retirement, Luanne and Gary moved to Yankton to be closer to family. As a proud grandma to three and great-grandma to five, not one sports game, school event, or life milestone went uncelebrated by her. Her presence – and her marvelous mint chocolate bundt cake - enriched every experience.
  
Luanne is survived by her husband, Gary; daughter, Shelly (Gerald) Pedersen of Yankton, South Dakota; grandchildren, Holly (Travis Schultz) Pedersen, Zack (Brandi) Pedersen, and Liz (Derek) Schenkel; and great-grandchildren: Tanner and Kenzie Pedersen, Garret, Charlie, and Tommy Schultz, all of Yankton, South Dakota; sister, Nicki (Mike) Strauch; and nieces and nephews. 

Luanne is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Lillian Smith; sister Yvonne Walsh; brother Lee Smith.