Resident of the Month

Dolores “Dee” Ladd was born April 22, 1939, in Hardwick, Minnesota, and grew up in Rock Rapids, Iowa. As a teenager, she worked at Pinky’s Drive-In and the Joy Lunch Cafe, then became a telephone switchboard operator after high school. She also helped her sister Lois clean their neighborhood Congregational church.

Dee first noticed a cute boy named Ken Ver Steeg while attending a Reformed church with friends in the mid 1950’s. She said Ken was goofing off in church and caught her attention.  The town girl and Dutch farm boy married on June 29, 1959, beginning a partnership that has now lasted more than 67 years. Together they farmed in northwest Iowa and raised a family built on a life filled with faith in God, hard work, and love.

Dee enjoyed crocheting and canning sweet corn, apples, tomatoes, and strawberries from her garden. She fondly remembers the friends and neighbors who shaped her life, especially Phyllis Weatherly, whose kindness and Bible stories comforted her during a difficult childhood loss. Above all, Dee treasures her family and the memories they continue to make together.

We are so happy to have Dee as part of our Goldton family! Her beautiful story, cherished memories, and the love she has shared throughout her life make her such a special part of our community. We are grateful to have the opportunity to know her, share new memories with her, and make her feel right at home.