Dorthy Mulder

Dorthy “Dot” Mulder, age 85, of Sioux Center, IA, passed away at Crown Pointe Estates in Sioux Center on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Visitation with the family present will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, IA.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM, Thursday October 1, 2026, at Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center, IA with Rev. Roger Voskuil, officiating.

Livestream of: Dot Mulder Service

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crown Pointe Care Center or

 Sioux Center Health Hospice and Home Care.

Dorthy “Dot” (Darch) Mulder was born on August 7, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa, to James and Bernice (Jepsen) Darch. She was welcomed home by her older sister, Diana. Dot graduated from Sioux City East High School and went on to attend Methodist Nursing School, beginning a lifelong journey of caring for others.

On June 16, 1962, Dot married Dave W. Mulder. Together, they made their home in Sioux Center, where they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service. Dot worked at Sioux Center Hospital before becoming the first school nurse for Sioux Center Community Schools, where she cared for generations of students and formed many lasting friendships.

Dot was a faithful and active member of Central Reformed Church, which was a key part of her life, and where they met their lifelong friends, “the Saturday Night Group”. She cherished the many friendships she formed through the church and served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, participated in Circle, attended Bible studies, led the meal ministry, and was the parish nurse. When Dave retired from teaching and became a State Senator, she “retired” from parish nurse and became his clerk during his four-year Senate term. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and was reflected in the love and kindness she extended to others.

Dot enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life, many of which brought her lifelong friendships. She especially loved walking with her beloved “twin” Peg, quilting, participating in quilting circles, and traveling with her dear friends Lori and Char. She treasured the friendships she formed with coworkers from Sioux Center Community Schools and Sioux Center Community Hospital.

Dot was known for her selfless generosity and genuine love for others. She had a special gift for making people feel cared for, valued, and loved. She found great joy in visiting people in their homes, hospitals, and care centers, always taking the time to brighten someone's day and remind them that they were Christ’s valued children. Her thoughtfulness, compassion, and willingness to show up for others were hallmarks of the life she lived.

Above all, Dot was devoted to her family, who brought her the greatest joy in life. She and Dave loved attending baseball and softball games, vocal concerts, and traveling with their children and grandchildren. Dot especially enjoyed preparing her children's, grandchildren's, and dear friends’ favorite meals and hosting family birthday celebrations. Dot was always eager to try new recipes and was a pioneer in gluten-free cooking to accommodate Dave’s gluten allergy.

Dot's legacy is one of faith, generosity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She will be remembered for her warm heart, her welcoming home, her faithful service, and the countless ways she made others feel special. Her love will continue to live on through her family, her many friendships, and the memories she leaves behind.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 64 years, Dave; her children, Dick (Kathrine) of Burr Ridge, Illinois, and Amy (Kyle) Achterhoff of Sioux Center; her sister, Diana (Mike Fritz) Thompson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and her grandchildren, Sarah Bissoon (Devin) of Sioux Falls and their children, Devin, Kennedy, Evelyn, and Sumariya; and Ethan (Jordan) Achterhoff of Spencer and their children, Emersyn and Jameson. She is also lovingly remembered by family members Stan and Nancy Speer, Nancy Ann Scholten, along with many special friends, including Marion and Darlene Mouw, Dave and Gladie Vander Berg, Bob Kraai, Marty and Shirley Wierda, Bruce Ver Hoef, and Peg Juffer.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bernice Darch; brothers-in-law Jerry Thompson and Rod Scholten; sister-in-law Colleen; and nephew Steven.