March 28, 2024

Dorothy Egger Dutcher Logan

Jan. 16, 2020

Dorothy “Dot” Logan was a force of life for 88 years. Traveling to more than 37 countries, Dot enjoyed spending time outdoors, reading countless books, listening to classical music, visiting her dear family all over the United States and giving back to the world in a remarkable way.  Dot passed away in her home at Park Centre in Newton Jan. 16, 2020. The Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Dorothy Egger Dutcher was born to Helen and Donald Dutcher in Englewood, N.J. in 1931. One of her greatest joys was attending Camp Hagan near Shawnee-on-the Delaware, Pa., where she was a camper, CIT and counselor. She graduated from Tenafly High School and earned a degree in Spanish from Douglass College, the women’s division of Rutgers University. Dot worked as a bilingual secretary and interpreter for RCA International in New York City. She always loved NYC, especially Broadway, and was fond of the ocean at the Jersey shore.

Dot married Tom Logan in 1955. They had three children, plus many dogs and cats. After moving to Wellsboro, Pa., with her kids all in elementary school, Dot returned to Mansfield University for her teacher certification. She taught preschool, kindergarten and second grade in Wellsboro. A company transfer took the family to Marshalltown, and a special interest for many years was the AFS high school student exchange program. Dot was delighted to host an AFS student from Swaziland. When her kids all were off to college, Dot then commuted to Drake University for a master’s in special education. From 1980 to 1995, she worked with special needs students at Newton High School. After Tom passed, Dot moved permanently to Newton in 1990.

Dot’s list of hobbies is long. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, music, biking, swimming, walking, rollerblading, downhill and cross-country skiing. Dot was a great writer and editor. She loved to sing and played the piano, the recorder and the ukulele. She loved art, theater and reading; and was very fond of the Des Moines Symphony, Des Moines Metro Opera, Jasper County Concert Association and the Newton Community Theater.

Dot was active at First Lutheran Church in Newton. She found it easy to assist with community dinners and deliver Meals on Wheels. She was president and served on the board of the YMCA and also was president of the Park Centre Owners Association. She was active in the League of Women Voters, Delta Kappa Gamma, Iowa Retired School Personnel and the Page Turners Book Club.

Dot gave her time, wisdom, tremendous writing skills and brought a can-do attitude to any project. Giving back was a natural part of her rhythm. She made everyone feel welcome and comfortable; and she was spunky fun. Dot was devoted to her family and took great pride in each of them.

One of Dot’s favorite places was Chautauqua, N.Y. She spent time with her family in the woods and lakes of Wisconsin, loved the mountains in Vail, Colo., and had colorful stories of traveling to Alaska, including a memorable outdoor hot tub soak at 20 below zero and watching the Yukon Quest dog sled race from her son’s small plane. Dot said Paris, France was easily her favorite. She visited Paris on five trips, the same number of times she saw “Cats” on Broadway.

Dot is survived by her children and their spouses, Don and Joan Logan, Bob and Lira Logan and Betsy and Cliff Edwards; her grandchildren and spouse, Alison, Rachel, Trevor, Bob, Lynne and Matt, Donny and Gable; her great-grandchild, Oliver; her five nephews, Tony, Andy, Matt, Mark and Steve; and her dear cousin, Lorraine.

A private graveside service will be held in Stony Point, N.Y. If you would like to honor Dot, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or lend a hand to those less fortunate.

Dorothy Logan will be missed by many across the globe. It was a privilege to know her. She will always be a legend.

Online condolences may be left for the family at pencefh.com.