Dorothy Jean Plank, 100, of LaHarpe, Ill., passed away at 11:08 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill.
Dorothy was born Feb. 1, 1925, in Niota, Ill., the daughter of Loyd L. and Nancy Moore Breiner. On Nov. 18, 1942, she married William M. “Bill” Plank in Kahoka, Mo. Following their marriage, Dorothy and Bill relocated to the Galesburg, Ill., area. She worked as a Licensed Dental Assistant for Dr. Dayton and Dr. Pacey. She also helped her husband on the farm and worked for a time at Alton Box Board in Galesburg. In 1969, she and Bill once again relocated to Maryville, Ariz. She continued as a Dental Assistant in Phoenix for Dr. Diamond. Shortly after Bill’s passing on Feb. 16, 1991, she returned to LaHarpe.
She enjoyed living life on her own terms, being independent up to her final days, and being ornery and playful with her family. She also enjoyed playing golf with friends at Lake Bracken Country Club, near Galesburg. She was a member of the former LaHarpe American Legion Auxiliary, LaHarpe Methodist Church, and the Arizona Business and Professional Women Club.
Survivors include one son: Marty Plank of Galesburg, Ill.; one grandson: Tony Plank of Denver, Colo., three great-grandchildren: Alex, Madison and MacKenzie Plank all of Denver; five sisters: Pauline Jones of LaHarpe, Charlene Wilson of Blandinsville, Patricia Huston of New Boston, and Jo Frye of Muscatine, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, Bill, she was preceded in death by one daughter: Nancy Culp; one grandson: Toby Plank; one brother: Lloyd “Gene” Breiner and seven sisters: Louise Thompson, Thelma Figg, Virginia Kerfoot, Wyvonne Byers, Joy Byers, Lucille Luton and Marilyn Cahill.
The funeral service for Dorothy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. A. Lee Unger officiating. Burial will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
The family request casual dress for the service due to the hot weather.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe American Legion or a charity of the donor’s choice.