NewsDoris Heller is former longtime organistDoris Heller was born and raised in Keokuk, the youngest of nine children in her family.
She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1942 and earned a degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., in 1947. She married Bill Heller on Aug. 24 and they hope to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. What food are you most famous for? Desserts - baked goods, sweet rolls, etc. What kind of music do you enjoy? Classical, especially Bach and all of the Baroque period composers' music for the organ. I am a retired piano and organ teacher. I served the United Presbyterian Church for 45 years as organist. What are your hobbies? Before I lost my eyesight, I loved to knit baby outfits, sweaters and afghans. I also loved to play cards and travel in our motor home. Do you have a favorite pet (present or past)? We have had several wonderful dogs, two beagles and a sheltie. Where would you go if you won a trip anywhere in the world and why? I'd like to go to Hawaii to sit on the beach and enjoy the breezes and sun while listening to music. What has been life's most rewarding experience for you? Organizing and working with the Westminster Singers in the 1990s. And the five years we spent in southeastern Kentucky. How many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren do you have? We have three living children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. What book are you currently reading? An Amanda & Pepper mystery - “Till the End of Tom.” What is your least favorite food? Liver and onions. What is your favorite food? Roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy. What makes a perfect summer day and how would you spend it if you could, anyway you wanted? A day with sunshine and a light breeze, out in our fenced-in yard playing with our blessed great-grandbabies. Have a favorite sport to do or watch? Football, basketball and golf. Favorite childhood, teen and adult book? “Little Women,” and John Grisham's books. Most memorable moment? When the Westminster Singers would present the morning sermon in Biblical words and music and the worshippers would come up to shake hands with tears in their eyes. What do you do for fun? Go out to eat with friends and sit and visit. What do you like most about yourself? I love to work with children of all ages; and I'm a good listener. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A music teacher. What do you collect? Just about anything blue and white from Denmark- small animals, porcelains, Bing and Grondahl plates. Where would you live if you had a choice? Right here. What is your favorite TV show and actor/actress? “Deal or No Deal,” “CSI,” “Law & Order” and the Discovery and History channels. If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would they be? Dr. William R. Laws, former pastor of the United Presbyterian Church - he was a great inspiration to us. What was your favorite subject in school? Math and music courses, orchestra and band. What was your first job? I worked at the courthouse typing driver's licenses. After I graduated college, I work for Ralph Smith's abstract office. What was/is your favorite style/piece of clothing? I like clothes with style, classical styling that would be in style for years. Best word(s) of advice you've received? Whatever job you have to do - do the job the best you can and then do a little more - always do more than is expected of you. Favorite movie of all time? “Gone With the Wind.” What is your favorite ethnic food? Italian spaghetti sauce. How did you meet your spouse (if married)? During our accounting class, I asked Bill if I could borrow a pencil - and we were a couple ever since. If you had a motto, what would it be? Don't give up - keep working. What is your most memorable and/or embarrassing food experience? Our kids all loved my cinnamon rolls. After I lost my eyesight, our family was coming home and I knew I just had to have the rolls ready and baking in the oven. But they were awful!! The house did smell great but the rolls were in the garbage! What is your favorite recipe? Caramels. Ingredients: 2 sticks butter 1 can condensed milk 1 lb. brown sugar 1 cup white syrup Directions: Mix all over medium heat. Bring to boil. Cook to 250 degrees. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into well buttered 9 x 12 glass pan (or metal). Cool. Turn onto cutting board. Cut into slices, then into pieces. Wrap caramel in small pieces. People who would like to be included in an upcoming Accent Page feature should contact the paper by mail at the Daily Gate City, P.O. Box 430, Keokuk, IA 52632; by phone at 524-8300, ext. 106, or by fax at 524-4363. Candidates are asked to complete a short questionnaire with their favorite recipe and have their picture taken to accompany the article. Copyright © 2010 - Daily Gate City
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