05/04/2026
Farmer Zane, as many of you knew him, will be dearly missed.
Celebrating the Life of Zane Dory
Dad passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 92. His final moments were spent as he lived—with his family by his side.
Born on September 26, 1933 near Mason City, IA to Glen and Bethel Dory, Dad's path was defined by a tireless work ethic. He served his country in the military (Army), stationed in Germany from 1953 to 1955. Following his service, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Margaret, in 1957, and graduated from Fresno State in 1958.
His professional career was a testament to his leadership. After navigating the management chain at Travelers Insurance Company —with stops in Fresno, Oklahoma City, and Des Moines—he purchased a small insurance agency in 1969. He went on to build and grow his insurance agency in Newton, Iowa, (1973) which is still in business today.
Upon his first retirement in 1998, Mom and Dad moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, but dad was not one for idle hands. He spent his "retirement" years building Something from the Farm into what many locals call a Fort Collins “fall celebration institution”. Whether he was tending to the chickens or maintaining the property with his trademark precision, he was the undisputed "W**d Wacker King" and "Leaf Blowing Champ." He took immense pride in a spotless farm and the simple, honest work of the land.
He loved the backcountry, was an avid walker and hiker, exercise advocate, a patient trout fisherman, and a lover of the golf course. In his later years, he found great joy watching the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Rockies.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret; his three children, Jon, Joan, and Susan; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his lessons of integrity and hard work.
A funeral mass will be held on May 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Catholic Church in Fort Collins, CO. Family and friends are invited to a reception in Seton Hall immediately following the service to share stories and celebrate a life exceptionally well-lived
