In Loving Memory
Lois Reka "Rick" Dunigan
January 11, 1929 - December 3, 2023

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Palo Alto County Hospital.

VISITATION
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, December 9, 2023
11:00 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. John Thomas

DEACON
John Rudd

INTERMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Lois Reka Dunigan, daughter of Harry and Minnie (Zishka) Bleeker was born January 11, 1929 in Spencer, Iowa.  Lois became known as "Rick" to her family and friends.  She received her education in Spencer, graduating from Spencer High School in 1947.

On November 27, 1947 Rick was united in marriage to William James Dunigan in Spencer, Iowa.  They were blessed with seven children.  Rick was a devoted mother caring for and raising her children.  She taught each of them to have kind hearts along with good values and morals.  This was of utmost importance to her.

Rick served as the secretary of the St. Patrick's Association when it was first initiated by the Jaycees and continued after it became its own entity. She was the librarian at the Emmetsburg Catholic School and later was employed in the business office for Lakeland AEA-3.  Rick then went on to work at Joyce's Foodland and Food Pride.

Rick was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she sang in the choir for many years.  She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America for over sixty years.  Rick was a member of the  first Mainstreet Community Theatre Board of Directors.  She was an original member of the Shady Ladies and was a member of the Red Hat Society.  Rick was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Rick loved to go dancing, ride her bike around town or go swimming at the Wellness Center with her friends.  She was a beautiful seamstress and also enjoyed doing crochet and cross stitch projects as well as making braided rugs.

Rick passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the Emmetsburg Care Center at the age of 94.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Minnie Bleeker; her husband, Jim; granddaughters, Melissa Dunigan and Jennifer Kliegl; grandson, Aaron Dunigan; a brother, Darrell Bleeker; daughter-in-law, Mary Crawmer Dunigan; and son-in-law, Jim Thompson.

She is survived by her children, Mary (Ken) Kliegl of Laurens, Iowa, Bill (Sandy) Dunigan of Ramona, California, Pat Dunigan of Fairmont, Minnesota, Bob Dunigan of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Cindy Thompson of Cylinder, Iowa, Peg (Rick) Stowell of Gilbert, Iowa and Deb (Chuck) Winkleblack of Ames, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren; twenty six great grandchildren; a sister, Vergene Donovan of Spirit Lake, Iowa; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home