(Blog for Iowa apologizes for the delay in getting this post up today – the system was down for maintenance.)

Minnette F. Doderer, 82, former state legislator, died
Friday, August 12, 2005, in Iowa City.

A celebration of Minnette's life and her accomplishments
will be held at a later date, tentatively in late October or early November.

As a state legislator, she was recognized not only in our
state but throughout the country as a lawmaker advocating women's rights, equal
rights amendments, juvenile justice, child care and many other issues. She
attained the highest position ever held by a woman in the State Senate, which
is President Pro Tempore. She was one of the founding members of the Iowa
Women's Political Caucus and Co-chair of the International Women's Year
coordinating committee. Minnette was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of
Fame in 1979. She received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her
distinguished career and in retirement, including, Reproductive Rights Award,
Business and Professional Women Women of Achievement Award, Citation from the
American Academy of Pediatrics for sponsorship of legislation for Post Delivery
Benefits and Care of Iowa's Infants, Friend of Nursing Award, Feminist of the
Year Award, Iowa City Senior Center Woman of the Year, Gold Seal Award, Iowa
Coalition Against Domestic Violence, ERA Tribute, Friend of Education Award,
Distinguished Legislative Service Award, Iowa State Education Association, and
the Good Citizenship Award.

A quote from Louise R. Noun in More Strong-Minded Women:
“Minnette Doderer, tough-minded and outspoken, is the leading feminist in
the Iowa Legislature…. Doderer's efforts on behalf of women are
unflagging.”

(Click here to read the entire article)