Dolores Burns-Schalm (nee Furlin)'s Obituary
Dolores Marie Furlin was born in Centerville, Iowa on October 30, 1932. Jesus called her home on February 19, 2024. She was the second child of Luigi and Elvira (Vera) Furlin. Depending on who she was with, she was either called Dolly (with her family) or Dee (with friends, customers, and co-workers.)
Dolores married Bruce Burns on July 26, 1951, and started a family. When Bruce passed unexpectedly on September 26, 1967, Dolores was left to raise their four daughters on her own.
Dolores spent all her working days in restaurants, either as a waitress, hostess or manager. She loved this work. More important, she loved people. On several occasions she opened her home to friends or co-workers that needed a place to stay. Dolores showed her daughters at an early age how to love all people and was accepting of anyone who walked through her door.
On Valentines Day, 1974 Dolores married Harold Schalm. They remained together until his passing on September 1, 2002.
In addition to her parents and husbands, in her life Dolores loved her brother, Louis Furlin and his wife Pat, and her sister, Jennie Matuja.
Left behind to honor her life are her daughters Pamela Burns, Joyce Burns, Debbie Burns and Donna (Bob) Sears, grandchildren, Jessica Wandrie, Lauren Puranen, Aleece Austin, Robert Sears, Zachary Smith and Nathan Sears as well as twelve great grandchildren and her stepchildren Ursula Schalm (daughter Amanda), Monica Schalm and Alex Schalm.
The family will gather at a date in the future to celebrate the life of one of the finest women who ever lived. At this time, if you knew Dolores, please take a moment to remember her in your own way, but more important, honor her by being kind to another human being.
Mother, we always knew that you loved us more.
What’s your fondest memory of Dolores?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dolores?
Share a story where Dolores' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dolores you’ll never forget.
How did Dolores make you smile?