Doris A. Noelke

Doris Ann Noelke, nee Flake, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025.  Born in Marshall, Missouri in 1929 to Nellie Mae Flake, nee Morris and Maurice Anthony Flake, she was 96 years old.  She was a lifelong resident of Washington, Missouri.

She received her education in Saint Francis Borgia Schools, graduating from high school in 1947.  It was there that she met Alfred E. Noelke, the love of her life.  They married in August of 1949 and celebrated 73 years together until his death in April, 2023.  Their marriage was blessed with five children.

Doris Ann centered her life around her husband and the family and life they created together, spreading her love, joy and generosity to all those around her.  An enthusiastic and tireless volunteer, she could be seen helping out at her children’s school functions, Brownie Troop meetings, church activities, collecting for March of Dimes and United Way, organizing and participating in events for Downtown Washington, Inc. and the Franklin County Town and Country Fair.  Many a Fair Queen Contestant face was enhanced by her knowledge of skincare and an artful make up application brush!

She shared her husband’s entrepreneurial spirit and helped build Altemueller Jewelry Store into a thriving retail operation.  She was instrumental in spinning off the Hallmark Card counter into its own separate business and was a creative force in planning events and promotional activities for both locations. Doris amassed a huge network of friends along the way.

It was in her later years that Doris joined the Saint Francis Borgia Choir under the leadership of Paige Byrne Shortal.  These years with the Choir were very special to her.  She was passionate about the music, the performances, enjoyed the trips and camaraderie immensely.  One of her most memorable experiences with the Choir was performing in Rome at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II.

More than anything, Doris loved her family and friends.  She was a devoted wife to her husband, Al, loving mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren, trusted friend and confidant to so many.  Her spirit of love and generosity touched many throughout the community and beyond.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, dear grandmother, uncles, aunts, and son in law, Randy Brown.

She is survived by three daughters, Margit Brown, Labadie; Jerri Hoffmann and husband, Dave, Naples, Florida; Patty Lamke and husband, Sam, Washington; two sons, Mike Noelke and wife, Marie (Re-Re), Saint Louis; and Tom Noelke and wife, LuAnn, Germantown, Tennessee; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, devoted caregivers, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Saint Francis Borgia Church in Washington, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations in Doris’ memory be made to:

Type 1 Timer Hockey/https://t1thockey.com/ or the Saint Francis Borgia Food Pantry/https://www.borgiaparish.org/food-pantry

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington, MO.

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