Dorena Walker of Blair died at her residence October 8, 1987.

She was born at Randolph, Kansas, February 15, 1904, to Gus and Esther (Anderson) Hageman. She graduated from Trinity Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1930, she moved to Blair after serving as administrator at the Albion, Nebraska, Hospital. From 1932-41, she served as Public Heath Nurse, serving as the city and county school nurse. In 1948, she was hired as the supervisor of the polio ward at the County Hospital in Omaha, and received many awards for her dedication and service during the polio epidemic.

Dorena served as chairperson in organizing a committee to raise funds for the construction of Memorial Community Hospital, Blair. The hospital was built in 1956. She served on the Hospital Board for 18 years, with 13 as chairperson.

Later, she had served as a board member of the Health Planning Project of the Midlands, which consists of 11 counties in Nebraska and Iowa. The committee approves all health and new medical building facilities.

Dorena was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, charter member of Federated Woman’s Club, chairman of Civil Defense Hospital for 10 years, member of the Washington County Nurses’ Association, and a member of First Methodist Women. In 1970, she received the Good Neighbor Award from Ak-Sar-Ben for the many hours of community service.

Dorena is survived by her son, William E. Walker of West Des Moines, Iowa, and by five grand-children and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Walker, in January, 1966, and five brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held Monday, October 12, 1987, at First United Methodist Church in Blair with Dr. Howard Bailey officiating. Burial was in the Blair Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Fran Uhlman, James Walker, Jon Walker, Kent Walker, Richard Walker and Warren Whitaker. Serving as honorary pallbearers were George Carmichael, Reinhart Hansen, Wayne Lambertz, J. Hilton Rhoades, Dr. Rudy Sievers and Everett Stork.