Dolores Ann “Dee” (Elsasser) Hiatt
May 31, 1936 – July 30, 2020
Preceded in death by father and mother, Glenn and Mildred (Laushman) Elsasser; husband, Norm Hiatt; grandson, Danny; niece, Debbie Enholm. Survived by sons: Scott Hiatt (Charlotte), Jeffrey Hiatt, and Bo Hiatt (Dawn); daughter, JoDee Horacek (Ted); grandchildren: Matthew, Jason, Brendan, Maggie, Tyler, Emma, Cody, Carly, Tanner, Tate, Taylor, Allie, and Casey; brother, Gene Elsasser; sister, Donna Nimerichter (Ed); brother, Wayne Elsasser (Kathiey); many nieces and nephews.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Monday, August 3rd from 4pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, August 4th at 10:30am at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, 2650 Farnam St. INTERMENT: Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the Funeral and Graveside Services, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.
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“FIGHTER”
Dee was born to Glenn and Mildred (Laushman) Elsasser on May 31, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the second of four children, between older brother Gene and younger sister Donna and brother Wayne. They grew up at the end of the streetcar line at 6th and Center Streets. Named after the actress Dolores Del Rio, she immediately informed new acquaintances that she goes by “Dee.”
From a very early age, Dee yielded a feisty spirit and a strong will for living life on her own terms. At a time when most women were discouraged from participating in sports, Dee, a self-proclaimed Tom-boy, not only participated, but excelled. A great athlete, she liked to boast that she was always the first one to be picked to be on any sports team. Dee was cautiously courageous. At a time when most women were encouraged to marry and start a family early, Dee would not settle for second best and had a career at the Telephone Company while she confidently waited for her “lumberjack,” in the form of Norm, to come along.
A woman of unconventional intelligence and possessing many talents and interests, Dee’s most ardent pursuit was being a wife and mother. Together with Norm, Dee’s goal was to expose her kids to the broadest world possible. Although a very protective mother, her “you will try everything once” philosophy led us to become involved in every activity available, from hockey to German dancing. Yes, German dancing! The fact that Dee never lost her child-like nature made her a fun mom and up for almost anything, as exhibited in the range of the almost 30 different types of pets we had, from the usual dogs, fish and hamsters, to chickens, pigeons and rabbits. She loved all holidays. One favorite was Halloween, for which she often dressed up to give out candy or trick-or-treat with her kids/grandkids.
Dee was full of joy. She was a positive, encouraging and affectionate person, not just to her kids, but everyone with whom she came into contact. To help support the family, Dee began babysitting, often children of single mothers. During her babysitting career, she took care of over 25 kids and, like many of the neighborhood kids, the kids she babysat became members of the family, often participating in family activities, vacations and holidays.
Dee was fond of telling everyone, she was a “fighter.” As many witnessed, she proved to be a supreme fighter. Dee’s iron-will was tested during the last five years of her life as she fought multiple health conditions, including COVID-19, which she beat, by the way. Dee had countless hospital stays and reached platinum frequent-flyer status. She had several assisted living facilities she called home. Her sense of humor and highly social nature quickly won her new friends. The fact that she was fond of organizing football pools and bingo parties, through the help of her kids and grandkids, didn’t hurt her popularity.
On July 30th, she left this life to be reunited with her husband Norm, family and friends. Dee had many sayings. One she often exclaimed was: “Tally Ho and Away I Go.”
8 Comments
I will always have fond memories of Dee, who was a blast to hang out with, and always made me feel welcome.
She was a wonderful lady and she will be missed by many.
May she rest in peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Always etched in my mind will be her sitting on the dock at Sun Valley for what seemed to be hours of fishing. My love to the Horacek’s, Jeff and Bo at this difficult time!
I’m so Sorry for your loss of “DEE”. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God grant you peace and understanding.in this difficult time.
Dee was a wonderful person and friend. We enjoyed many conversations at the CWS. She always shared treats with our twin daughters. You’ll be missed. My condolences to the family.
Dee was loved by all and our family always enjoyed being with Dee & Norms kids when we visited Omaha. Dee was 13 days older than me, her cousin Sandy. She will be flapping her angel wings in heaven making sure all is well. Hugs & blessings to all of Dee’s family. Love & hugs.
My dad and Uncle Norm had a very close relationship. I remember that my dad was elated when Norm met such a great lady who made him so happy! Aunt Dee never met a stranger and spread her love of life to all. A testament to what a wonderful person Dee was is her family. I’ve never known a family that was so kind and loving to each other as well as to extended family members. Christmas parties, barbecues, graduation parties and in the last few years occasional visits to Dee’s assisted living facilities are all memories I cherish. Dee will be missed by all. What a lovely tribute (“Fighter”) to your mother, Jeff.
Aunt Dee was awesome to be around. I have so may great memories of y’all. Growing up and getting to visit her and spend time with Jeff, Bo and Jodee as kids was always a great time. My thoughts and prayers for y’all during this time. Hugs and prayers.
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