Doris McElwain

Doris Ilene McElwain was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1936, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, the daughter of Paul Peter and Claudia Earline (Luke) Schuster. Doris entered eternal rest Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of eighty-eight years.

Doris was raised in Wheaton, Minnesota and educated in the Wheaton Public Schools. She graduated from Wheaton High School with the Class of 1954. On November 12, 1955, Doris was united in marriage to Willis Bertrum McElwain at the Avé Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton, Minnesota and 4 sons were born to bless this union: John, Lee, Neal and Daniel.

Doris began working for the National Farmers Organization in 1964 as the Secretary for the 7th District in Minnesota. In 1969, Doris and her family moved to Corning, Iowa to continue working for the NFO as a Staff Executive. Doris continued her education receiving her Associate of Arts degree from S.W.C.C. in 1986. She loved the area so much, she stayed and retired from the NFO in 2006 at the age of 70. Never one to be idle, Doris volunteered for many years, helping with the Johnny Carson House. She was also active with the Adams County Democrats and the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Doris loved working outdoors tending to her many beautiful flower gardens.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents: her husband Willis, and 2 nephews. She is survived by her 4 sons: John (Brenda) McElwain of Villisca, Iowa; Lee McElwain (Wendy) of Polk City, Iowa; Neal (Susan) McElwain of Creston, Iowa; and Daniel McElwain of Dallas, Texas. Doris is also survived by her 3 grandchildren: Rachel (fiancé Ethan), Adam and Luke McElwain; her sister, Sandy (Darrel) Hubbard of Murietta, California and by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.