04/04/2024
Dixie Diane (Harsin) Loynachan was born April 22, 1943, in Knoxville, Iowa to Donald and Jennie (Shawver) Harsin.
She was raised in Marion County. Her parents were farmers, and she was a member of the Cheery Chix 4H club. Dixie attended McMillian Country School until 8th grade.
While at Knoxville High School she was in choir, mixed, all-state, Glee club, and Y teens, and was a class officer. She graduated with the class of 1961.
Dixie married Ted Loynachan on November 10, 1962. They had two children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dixie received her bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State and then her master’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Dixie and Ted lived in Arizona, Minnesota, and then returned to Iowa. She taught elementary education and special education for several years before retiring to be a substitute teacher.
Dixie was very driven by faith and attended several churches through the years some of which were: Plymouth Presbyterian Church in Marion County where she was married, First Baptist Church in Pella where she sang in the choir, Celebrate Church in Knoxville, and most recently First Church in Pella.
Dixie enjoyed all sorts of leisure time activities. She enjoyed walking and moral mushroom hunting.
She loved reading and listening to audiobooks. Dixie especially loved sewing, crafting, and quilting by teaching others to quilt. Dixie traveled for many years to the Paducah National Quilt Show with friends. She made numerous quilts over the years and loved going to quilt retreats.
Dixie and Ted both enjoyed collecting Red Wing pottery and going to the yearly convention together. She loved her plants and gardening. She was known for saving plants from the brink of death. Even while at Friendship Village, she had a garden plot and was using straw bales for her strawberry patch. She enjoyed traveling and going on cruises. Dixie enjoyed being part of a card club, crafting group, multiple garden clubs, and multiple quilt clubs. This past year she was enjoying weaving plastic mats for the homeless.
Dixie loved connecting with people. She was a loyal friend and would extend a welcoming hand with a fearlessly brave attitude, not worrying what others thought. In the past 8-10 years with her failing eyesight, she dealt with it with grace. She continued to be welcoming to new people in her community and stayed in touch with friends.
She started conversations and knew how to draw out others who might be reluctant or shy. Dixie adored sharing books with children at her church and in the community on Thursday nights in the square.
She enjoyed making friends wherever she was. She especially loved being with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dixie passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella at the age of 80 years.
Those left to honor Dixie’s memory include:
Brian Loynachan of West Des Moines, IA
Elizabeth and Bob Olson of Waukee, IA
Jessica, Rubi, and Max
Carla (Loynachan) and Manuel Ramirez of Knoxville, IA
Neil Ramirez of Cedar Falls, IA
Reed Ramirez of Knoxville, IA
Dixie is also survived by her siblings: Larry Harsin, Kay Harsin, and Elaine Koeste.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ted Loynachan who passed away in 2018; her parents, Donald and Jennie Harsin; her in-laws Harold and Esther Loynachan; and her great-granddaughter Ava, who passed away in 2021.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 10:30 am – First Church, Pella, Iowa.
Visitation will be held on Sunday at Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home, with the family present from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Interment will be made in the Breckenridge Cemetery, near Knoxville, Iowa.
Instead of flowers, memorials can be given in Dixie’s memory to the Blind Institute in Des Moines or First Church in Pella.