Memorial
Theresa Marie Dullea, 88, formerly of Springville, passed peacefully at Pennington Nursing & Rehab Center in Monticello, Iowa on Sunday November 5, 2023, surrounded by her family. In honor of her wishes, a visitation will be held on Saturday November 11, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. Theresa will be forever remembered for her sweet smile, generosity to help others and willingness to join any dice game. She enjoyed fishing, sitting around bonfires, playing cards, gambling and enjoyed watching her sports teams. She spent many years at Delhi Lake with her family. Camping was her happy place!
Theresa was born October 29, 1935, in Hopkinton, Iowa. She was the daughter of Leona & Aloysius Kelchen and blessed with 12 siblings. After graduating from Hopkinton High School, she met the love of her life, Dennis Joseph (DJ) and were married in August 1957. They later settled in Springville, Iowa where they raised their four boys. As well as helping on the farm and raising a family, Theresa worked over the years at the Anamosa Care Center, Rockwell Collins CR, Donutland CR, Gary’s Grocery in Mt. Vernon, Jack & Jill, Caseys & Woody’s Grocery all in Springville.
In additions to her parents, she was preceded in death by loving husband, DJ. Siblings: Allen Kelchen, Rita Kelchen, Bob Kelchen, Larry Kelchen, Charlie Kelchen, Betty DeRosia (Kelchen), LeRoy Kelchen. Surviving are her sons: Bob (Penny) Dullea, Dave Dullea, Denny (Robin) Dullea and Randy Dullea. Her siblings: Bill (Dolores) Kelchen, Phil (Virginia) Kelchen, John (Mary) Kelchen, Ruth (Dick) Pasker, Vickie (Charlie) Kelchen, Betsy (Larry) Kelchen & Ben Kelchen. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was blessed to remain close to her siblings and share countless years making memories. She always cherished her time with her two best gambling besties, Betsy, and Ruth whether in Las Vegas or any other available casino.
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff & nursing personnel at Pennington Assisted Living, Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center, as well as to Lindsay & Megan from Above & Beyond Hospice Care in Monticello.