Rowan "Rosy" Doorn, 91, of Parker, SD, SD has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
Rowan's story began in 1933, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Rowan spent his working life as ['education'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of service shapes more than the one who serves.
Rowan "Rosy" Doorn, 91 of Parker, passed away on August 22, 2025 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg. Memorial Service will be at 10:00 AM Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Chancellor Reformed Church, Chancellor. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the church. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.Rowan (Rosy) Doorn, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born November 16, 1933, to Ollie (DeVries) and Tony Doorn. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Melvin and Lowell Doorn.Rosy grew up in Corsica, South Dakota, where he graduated from high school before attending Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, SD to pursue a bachelor's degree in teaching. While at DWU, he met his wife, Carol Hildebrand. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage.Rosy proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict before completing his bachelor's degree. He later earned his Master's in Education from South Dakota State University and began a career in education, teaching in Fort Pierre,Freeman, Hitchcock,Estelline and Lennox. He coached and served as principal at Lennox High School, where he was deeply committed to students, staff, and the community.Beyond education, Rosy worked as a hail adjuster with Van Camp's Agency and after coaching devoted many years to officiating basketball games throughout the state, including several appearances at the Boys State Tournament. He found joy in golf, playing at Lenkota and courses across South Dakota, and later spending winters golfing in Arizona. He is credited with having 7 holes in one. He was also an avid sports fan, especially of basketball, baseball, and golf. Another passion was attending auction sales, where he delighted in finding "a box of treasures for a couple of dollars—just to look through it."Rosy is survived by his wife, Carol; five children: Robin (Michelle) Doorn, Rise (Gary) Jongeling, Toni (Tim) Tyrell, Derek (Melissa) Doorn, and Doug Doorn; grandchildren: Nathan (Becca) Jongeling, Nicholas (Katlyn) Jongeling, Reba (Jeremiah) Landon, Duane (Sydney) Jongeling, Devon Jongeling, Ryan Doorn, Quinn Doorn, Jessica (Josh) Bond, Abigail (Sean) Conway, Luke Tyrell, Rosylynne Doorn and Jackie Wacholtz; and great-grandchildren: Carolyn, Jackson, and Grayson Jongeling; Fallon and Monroe Jongeling; Harvey and Anna Landon; and Rowan Tyrell.Throughout his life he attended numerous churches, currently Rosy was a member of the Chancellor Reformed Church.He will be remembered for his steady presence, persistence, devotion to family, and the joy he found in golf, sports, and the simple treasures of life.
