Doris A. Feipel, age 69, of Ankeny, IA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully on March 29, 2026, at Mill Pond Care Center while surrounded by her loving family.

Doris was born on April 20, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, to Dorrance A. and Violetta R. (Hilby) Pluym.  She attended Wahlert High School and graduated in 1974. During her adolescence she was a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corp from 1971 to 1976 which is where she met the love of her life, David L. “Dave” Feipel. The two were united in marriage and blessed with 44 wonderful years together along with a daughter of their own, Melissa. Sadly, Dave preceded Doris in death on May 29, 2022, which led her to move to Ankeny to be closer to Melissa, Ben, Parker and Dawson.

Doris spent over 45 years working for the State of Iowa as a Juvenile Court Specialist.  She made many friends throughout her career and valued each one of them as she eventually moved into retirement in 2019.

Doris loved sewing and crafting. For years, her and her sisters made crafts, including their ‘snowmen’, and sold them at many craft shows all over the Tri-State area. She later got into sewing and quilting and made several handmade items for family and friends. Just before her health turned, she got into painting and resin crafts and had many hours of fun creating.

Some of Doris’ fondest memories were made each summer when the family took trips to Myrtle Beach, SC. Dave, Doris and Melissa took their first trip there in 1996 and have been going every summer since. Doris will make one last journey with the family this summer as her ashes travel to one of her favorite places in the world.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Doris include, her daughter, Melissa (Ben) Rezab, Ankeny, IA; her two adored grandsons, Parker James Rezab and Dawson David Rezab both of Ankeny, IA; her dear family friend, Terri Thompson, Denver, CO; her siblings, Donna (Clyde Burnett) Engler, Dubuque, IA, and David (Diane) Pluym, Hazel Green, WI; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard “Dick” (Pat) Feipel, Dubuque, IA, and Barbara “Barb” (Roger) Schueller, Sherrill, IA; her 18 nieces and nephews, Jeromy Smith, Adam (Sarah) Smith, and Talli Smith, Josh Engler, Bryan (Erin) Engler, Stephani Engler, Garrett (Ilina) Pluym, Evan (Kym) Pluym, Connor (April) Pluym, Pam (Jake) Oster, Don (Sheila) Feipel, Bryon “Homer” (Ronda) Schueller, Mark “Sparky” (Tina) Schueller, Tricia (Jason) Schumacher, David Schueller, Dee (Scott) Borth, Jenny (Larry) Mosley; along with countless great-nieces and nephews, extended family, Drum Corp family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 44 years, David L. “Dave” Feipel; her sister, Diana Smith; her mother-in-law, Lela (Art) Tigges; her sister-in-law, Beverly “Sis” (Ed) Kieffer; and a nephew, Doug Kieffer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doris’ name to the Dubuque Colts or BreakthroughT1D (formerly JDRF) for Type 1 Diabetes research.

Doris’ family would like to thank Mill Pond Care Center’s staff and the nurses and CNA’s from Wesley Life Hospice Service for their care and kindness over the last 2 years.

To honor Doris’ life, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Doris’ family.

Online condolences may be shared with Doris’ family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com