Erna R. Dorn nee Koessel

January 15, 1928 - November 9, 2011

Erna R. Dorn, nee Koessel, 83, recently of Hazel Crest, IL, North Carolina 8 yrs., New Jersey 30 yrs., Chicago 4 yrs., and the Philippines 21 yrs., went home to the Lord, Nov. 9, 2011. She is survived by her husband of 58 yrs., Rev. Dr. Louis Dorn; Children: Margaret (Keith) Dorn White of Flagstaff, AZ, Rev. Peter (Teena) Dorn of Country Club Hills, IL, Martin (Imke) Akkerman-Dorn of Germany, Judith (Jeff) Dorn Mullins of St. Cloud, MN, grandchildren: Kevin, Judy White, Selma, Hendrick , Mira Akkerman-Dorn, Angelica, Aaron Dorn, siblings: Francis (Marge) Koessel of NM, Eugene (Sharon) Koessel of MI, Freda (Dave) Schultz of TX. Mrs. Dorn was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Rudolph and Mrs. Eleonora Koessel. Born in Magnetawan in Ontario, Canada, she was raised in the thumb of Michigan and educated as a teacher at Concordia University where she met her husband. Her first teaching job was at Trinity Lutheran School in Monroe, MI. Shortly after their marriage they went to the Philippines as missionaries for their 21 year honeymoon. She later taught at Faith Academy in the Philippines. The second half of her career was spent in publishing, retiring in 2001 as an editorial assistant having worked for various publishers in New York and New Jersey. In her retirement she was the "hug lady" who was known for handing out hug cards. Visitation will be held on Thur., Nov. 17th, 3:00-9:00 p.m. at Heartland Memorial Center, 7151 183rd St., Tinley Park, IL and from 10:00 am until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4247 W. 183rd Street Country Club Hills, IL 60478 on Fri. Nov. 18th. Interment following at the St. John’s Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lutheran Charity or Church of your choice. To sign guestbook or for info visit heartlandmemorial.com or call 708-444-2266.