Vernelle "Dolly" Gorman

"Dolly” Vernelle Catherine (Pitzenberger) Gorman, 84, of New Hampton, IA passed away on July 28, 2025.

Dolly was born March 5, 1941 in Jackson Junction, IA, to Lawrence and Lena (Langreck) Pitzenberger.

Dolly is a graduate of New Hampton High School in 1959. She also graduated from La James College of Cosmetology in Mason City in 1961. Dolly worked at Leona’s Salon in New Hampton.

She married Merle Gorman on September 15, 1962. They were blessed with 6 children, and raised the family on a farm north of New Hampton. Dolly was a loving wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, sister and friend. Dolly took great pride in all of her children and their accomplishments and greatly enjoyed spending time with her family. Home was Dolly’s happy place. It’s where we gathered as a family around a big round table for meals that just tasted better than anywhere else. It’s where her kids came to visit, play, bake with grandma and make memories they will take with them long after. She was an amazing cook and baker; Dolly could pull together a “quick dinner” that would put a banquet to shame. Her love filled the house so much that you could feel it as soon as you walked through the door to come home. Dolly’s dedication her whole life was to her family, growing an acre garden to harvest and canned every year, managing the books of the farm operation and tending to every need of her children.

Dolly served as a member of the Chickasaw County Swine Producers and an FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer in 1984 and received the Chickasaw County Bell Ringer Award in 1975. She also served on the St. Joseph’s School Board and the Advisory Board of La James College in Mason City for many years.

Dolly is survived by her husband Merle; her six children, Susan (Kevin) Rentz of Mason City, Rev. Laura (Steve) Smith of Charles City, John (Sarah) Gorman of New Hampton, Dr. Timothy (Linda) Gorman of York, Maine, Ellen (Chad) Sorensen of Georgetown, Massachusetts, and Sarah (Eric) Garman of New Hampton. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Emily (Ray) Bailey, Kathleen (Cory) Jacobs, Elizabeth (Billy) Williams, Lily and Luke Gorman, Olivia, Patrick, Sophia, and Isabella Gorman, Molly, Jack, Grace and Will Sorensen, Colin and Claire Garman, and one great grandchild, Ollie Bailey.

Dolly is survived by one sister, Elaine Govern, two brothers, Larry Pitzenberger and Steven (Marcia) Pitzenberger; two sisters in laws, Joan Porche and Mary Sweet.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers in law; Peter Govern, Jack Porche, Jack Gorman, Dave Sweet and sisters in law Marcia A. Pitzenberger, Nancy Eaton, and Betty Gorman.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.