Dorothy Elaine Bright

Dorothy E. Bright, 95, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, November 24, 2025. She was born in Randalia, Iowa, on March 13, 1930, the daughter of Emil and Martha (Wolfe) Wegner, and graduated from Fayette High School. Dorothy married Eugene Bright on September 3, 1949, in Waterloo. They spent 71 years happily married prior to Gene's death on June 22, 2021. Dorothy worked at Sartori Hospital in Cedar Falls as a Nurse's Tech, primarily in the OB Department assisting with the delivery and care of newborn babies, retiring in 1996 after 30 years of service.

Dorothy's life was about faith, family, and birthdays. Dorothy took great pride in never missing or forgetting a birthday or special event for her friends or family and always sent a card.  She also enjoyed wintering in Florida with Eugene where she would walk the beach collecting seashells and sand dollars. One of Dorothy's greatest joys in life was feeding and taking care of her family, making sure no visitors went hungry.

Dorothy is survived by her children, David (Julie) Bright, Marcia (Dave) Rinderknecht, Bonnie Bright and Alison (James) Rooff; grandchildren, Erin Heller, Benjamin Bright, Matthew Rinderknecht, Krystal Eastman, Andrew Boyle, William Wonick and Tanner Strudthoff; great-grandchildren, Dylan Eastman, Jackson, Carolina and Madison Rinderknecht, Lucas and Natalie Heller, Lilly Wonick, and Ava, Drew, Brady, Hank, Vera, Vada, Danny, Beau and Otto Boyle; sister, Frances Carr; son-in-law, Jon Strudthoff; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene Bright; daughter, Tamara Strudthoff; brothers, Julius, Otto, Delbert, Johnnie, Ted and Alfred Wegner; and sisters, Ester Suchow, Vernita Jennings, and Berdinia Gardiner.

Funeral service will be 11am, Thursday, December 4, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls with visitation an hour prior. Burial will be at 1:30pm at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens in Cedar Falls. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church , Cedar Valley Hospice or Christian Crusaders . Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences.