Today, October 26th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the life of Ottumwa’s Doris Wilz.
Mdm. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, small business owner, and a dear friend to many in my hometown of Ottumwa.
On October 20th, Doris Wilz passed away at the age of 93.
Born and raised in Ottumwa, Doris was known by many as the one who always went above and beyond for the betterment of the community. As a young widow she met Carl Wilz, a small business owner, and also recently widowed with four small children, the youngest of whom was around three.
They got married, and she went forward to help him conduct two small businesses in two towns thirty miles apart.
Whether it was through serving customers at one of the family small businesses or volunteering at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center comforting patients and making cookies for the families in the McCreery Cancer Center, Doris always loved to put a smile on the face of others.
But when asked what her greatest passion in life is, Doris would say her four children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her gentle smile, melodious laugh, and encouragement meant so much to so many, and drew people to her, including myself, and I am honored she considered me a friend.
Thank you, Doris, for contributing to our community, and I will keep you, your family, and your loved ones in my prayers.
Thank you, I yield back my time.
Original source can be found here
