Doris J. Biermann, age 89 passed away on April 15, 2024 at her home in Epworth, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Doris may call from 1 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue after 9 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the Funeral Home.

Services for Doris will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held in the church cemetery.

Doris was born on August 23, 1934 in Luxemburg, Iowa to Bernard Tapke Sr. and Hilda (Lueck) Tapke. She was the youngest of three children. She was a 1953 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Guttenberg Iowa. After high school, she worked as a Bookkeeper for Foxen Plumbing in Luxemburg; and a child-caregiver for a number of families in Luxemburg, New Vienna, and Dyersville. She worked with her husband to manage excavating and construction businesses. Later, she worked for Julien Care in Dubuque, where she loved interacting with the residents and staff.

She married David J. Biermann of Epworth on September 5, 1964 at Holy Trinity Church in Luxemburg and moved to Epworth in 1964. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Altar and Rosary Society, and loved to sing in church. Doris enjoyed gardening, feeding her family and friends, and canning. She loved trying new recipes and won many local recipe contests. She also enjoyed exercise classes with her friends, garage sales, puzzles, card/board games, books, and crocheting beautiful doilies. She had an ability to engage many people in conversation. She loved her dog and cat companions and was an animal whisperer. Doris always had a smile for others.

Doris is survived by her children: Phyllis Biermann of Lombard, IL, Barbara Biermann of Dubuque, IA, John Biermann of Epworth and Maquoketa, IA, and Larry and Jaimie (Thill) Biermann of Epworth, IA; and two grandchildren, David and Ella Biermann of Epworth, IA.  She is also survived by her husband’s siblings and spouses, Donald and Janet Biermann of Dubuque, IA, LeRoy and Shirley Biermann of Peosta, IA, Kenneth and Donna Biermann of Farley, IA, Paul and Kathy Biermann of Epworth, IA, Marilyn and Dave Hawkins of Cascade, IA and Mark Biermann Dubuque, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, David J Biermann; parents, Bernard (Sr.) and Hilda Tapke; her sister/brother-in-law, Ann and Harlan Soppe; her brother/sister-in-law, Bernard (Jr.) and Betty Tapke; her paternal uncle, Henry Tapke; her maternal aunt and uncle Hannah (Lueck) and John Eilers; her in-laws, Raymond and Dorothy (Ries) and Biermann; her brother-in-law/sister-in-law, Robert and LaVonne Biermann; and 5 nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Epworth Fire Department and Hospice of Dubuque  for their support during this time.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.