De Loras “Dee” Fortman, 96, of Dubuque, died Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Grand Meadows in Asbury.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:15 am on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for De Loras “Dee” will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Worthington, IA.

Dee was born on March 10, 1929 to Alford and Rose (Friedman) Fortman in Farley, IA.

She attended St. Joseph’s grade and high school in Farley, until her senior year, when the family moved to Dubuque, she graduated from St. Columbkille High School. After graduation, she started a 39 year career with the Telephone Company and transferred to Cedar Rapids as an instructor, retiring in 1985 as a Network Administrator. She then volunteered at the American Red Cross for a number of years. She belonged to the Telecom Pioneers and the Neuropathy Support Group. In 1953 Dee and her special friend and companion, Margaret Oppelt, took a cruise on the Steamship, Queen of Bermuda. That event was the start of many memorable cruises and travels over the years. Dee and Margaret were so blessed to enjoy 20 winters in Arizona. Margaret preceded her in death on August 16, 2017.

Dee had a very positive and hopeful attitude, she was compassionate and very generous. She especially enjoyed number games-Ken Ken and Numbrix, was a Lazy Boy Hawkeye fan and enjoyed casino hopping.

Dee is survived by a brother, Gary Fortmann of Burien, WA; sister-in-law, Ruth Fortman of Bettendorf, IA; nephews, Dan (Karen) Goedken, Randy (Karen) Tigges, Greg Fortman, Troy (Kris) Fortmann and Scott (Linda) Fortmann; nieces, Sherry White, Kay Fain, Pam (Steve) Heinz, Judi Jenaman, Carrie Fortman, Robin (Bryan) Potratz, Paula Fortman, Lyn Fortmann, Lea (Mark Giangiordano) Fortmann, and Kalani Goedken; and many grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Vernella (Joe) Goedken and Elizabeth (RC) Bach; a brother, Ralph; sister-in-law, Janice Fortmann; one niece, Sandy (Jim) Koelker; and three nephews, Dave Goedken, Dion Goedken, and Chad Koelker.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dee’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.