A century of life becomes a lasting legacy for Black Hawk County.

Dorothy  Brecunier lived through more than a century of change. When she died in June 2025 at the age of 104, she left behind a life defined by family, service, and a deep connection to the Cedar Valley.

That connection now lives on as a lasting gift.

For Dorothy and her husband, Dick, Waterloo was more than where they lived. It was where they built their life together, raised their children, and formed friendships that would endure for decades. It was a place that offered opportunity, and one they believed was worth investing in.

They carried that belief into how they lived. After meeting at the University of Iowa during World War II, Dick and Dorothy returned to Waterloo to raise their family and build a life grounded in community. 

Both gave their time through the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross. Dick served on the YMCA board of directors, and Dorothy contributed her leadership to the YWCA and the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls.

Even as life took them beyond Iowa, the Cedar Valley remained home. 

When Dick died in 2011 after nearly 68 years of marriage, Dorothy continued to follow the community they loved, the people, the progress, and the opportunities for families to thrive.

She also made a decision that would carry their shared commitment forward.

Through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Dorothy established the Dick and Dorothy Brecunier Fund through a charitable gift annuity. 

The fund supports nonprofits serving Black Hawk County through the Community Foundation’s discretionary grant process, guided by local volunteers who understand the community and its needs.

It is a simple idea, rooted in a lifetime of experience. When you invest in your community, that investment continues to grow.

Dorothy believed in the place that shaped her family. Through this gift, that belief became something lasting, supporting neighbors, strengthening nonprofits, and opening doors of opportunity across Black Hawk County.

It is a legacy built on love for a community and one that will continue to make more possible for generations to come.