Obituary for Nellie "Dolly" Fortier | Locke Funeral Services

Nellie "Dolly" Fortier

October 30, 1936 - July 12, 2023

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Funeral Service

July 19, 2023

From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Locke at Tower Park

4140 Kimball Ave.,
Waterloo, IA 50701

Visitation

July 18, 2023

From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Locke at Tower Park

4140 Kimball Ave.,
Waterloo, IA 50701

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Family

Well known Cedar Valley broadcaster and community activist, Dolly Fortier, passed away July 12th, 2023 at Unity Point Allen Hospital after a heart attack and brief hospitalization. Dolly was 86.

Born Nellie Jeanette Hicklin on October 30, 1936 in Britt, Iowa to Birdie and Arthur Hicklin, Dolly lived her early life in Northwest Iowa before moving to the Waterloo community following the death of her first husband, Bob Jensen, where they had made their home in Cleveland, OH. In 1956 Dolly married James Fortier and the couple had three children prior to the dissolution of their marriage in 1974.

Dolly was a local radio veteran of over 50-years having first joined the former KWWL Radio as a copy writer in 1970 and then later working as both a sales representative, administrative assistant and on-air personality until her first retirement in 2008 then reemerging to the local airwaves on KCFI-AM/FM in 2012 where she relaunched her on-air career with the locally popular "Lunchtime with Dolly" weekday radio show which continued until her passing. In 2016 she was honored by the Iowa Broadcasters Association as "Broadcaster of the Year" in recognition of her dedication and service to the radio industry. In 2017 she was honored as one of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier's Eight over 80 winners.

In addition to her broadcasting career Dolly was also active in numerous civic organizations including: The Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) of the Cedar Valley, The Waterloo Planning and Zoning Commission, Big Brothers-Big Sisters and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. She also served as Emcee and producer of the annual Waterloo Wedding Extravaganza each January for over 25 years. She was also a past performer and advocate of the Waterloo Community Playhouse.

Dolly is survived by three children, Greg of Jesup, and Julie and Phil both of Waterloo, two grandchildren Erica and Clint both of Jesup, along with a legion of friends and loyal listeners who will greatly miss her friendly face and familiar voice.

Funeral services for Dolly Fortier will be held at 1PM Wednesday, July 19th at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo. A community visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 18th from 5-7PM at that same location.

Memorials may be directed to family choice.

Condolences

We are saddened to hear of Dolly’s passing. My husband was her biggest fan. We really enjoyed visiting with her and listening to her in the radio. May memories bring you comfort and may God grant you peace in the coming days. With our deepest sympathies

Kerri & Rick Wilson

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Dolly. When I turned on the radio to hear her the other day I hoped nothing had happened to her. She was awesome to listen to and had a lot of witty and interesting things to say. Myself and countless others miss her greatly. The world was a better place with her here. May God bless all of you.

Tim Guldager

I loved Dolly’s radio program. I discovered her program a couple years ago and downloaded the app to my phone. She was so fun to listen to and I will miss her on KCFI. Sincere sympathy to her family.

Verna Lansing

I have been a fan of Dolly’s radio show for a very long time. So I was especially pleased when she went on the Honor Flight with us as a representative of the media through Coloff Media. She will be greatly missed..

Linda Bergmann

Dolly, I can only imagine you meeting all those musicians and singers up there in heaven whose songs you've played over the years. Have fun striking up conversations with Elvis, Engelbert, Aretha and and all the others. And tell my mom I miss her. She loved you, too. I'll hopefully meet up with you all when it's my turn.

Rebecca Klatt Kuhlman

Dolly will be missed so much. I loved listening to her for years on KCFI. She kept me entertained as I worked in my flower beds. Her fun but probably usless facts made me smile. My condolences to her family.

Barbara L Chapman

She had a great heart and seemingly endless energy. Hard to believe she has gone on.

Donna Davis

A beautiful soul gone to the angels.

Dennis Coleman

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