DELORES FROST PRANKE

August 26, 1930 - July 28, 2022

Delores (Dodie) Frost Pranke, age 91, died on Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Houston, Texas surrounded by her family. She was born on August 26, 1930, to Evelyn Mader and David Abruzzino in Akron, Ohio.

Dodie met her husband, Robert (Bob) Jorn, during high school in Columbus, Ohio. They were married in 1949 and had one son, William (Bill) Jorn, born in 1950. Dodie worked as a telephone operator to support her young family. In 1952, Dodie, Bob, and Bill boarded a train to Houston, Texas for new opportunities in a booming Texas economy.

Dodie had always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Following her divorce from Bob in 1957, Dodie began to study and take nursing classes at night while maintaining her daytime secretary job and taking care of her son, Bill. Her drive and discipline helped her achieve her dream. At age 41, Dodie earned her master’s degree in nursing from Texas Women’s University. She worked as a nurse at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston where she met Vernon Frost, and later, Dr. Donald Pranke.

Dodie was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and a member of the Junior League of

Houston and the River Oaks Country Club. She loved animals, especially her dogs, cats and horses, antiques, playing the piano, and volunteering at The Guild Shop in Houston. She was known for having a sharp mind and a calming presence. Everyone who knew her loved her, and she will be missed dearly.

Dodie is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert Jorn, Vernon Frost, and Dr. Donald Pranke; and her daughter-in-law, Meg Jorn. She is survived by her son, William Jorn; and her grandchildren, Tally Jorn, Austin Jorn and his wife Elizabeth, and Erik Jorn.

A service celebrating

Dodie’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at The Church of St. John Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, Texas 77019, with a reception immediately following.