Dorine L. Muller

July 3, 1925 – June 18, 2024

Dorine L. Muller 98, of DeKalb passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center. She was born July 3, 1925, in Spring Grove, MN and was the daughter of Floyd W. and Bessie Bell (Smith) Kumpf.

Dorine spent the majority of her years in Rockford, IL. She stayed home while Shari grew up, giving her, her total attention and love.  Then, Dorine and her husband, Irvin, opened Kwik Buy Convenient Store, which later led to her opening the Pie Shell Restaurant. The Kwik Buy and Pie Shell soon became famous for their catering, their fudge, their pies, their homemade food and Mom's well-known Hot Chicken Salad, which was in the Junior League's Brunch Basket Cookbook. After mom retired from the Pie Shell, she took a few years off, then went back to work, cooking at St. Anne's Retirement Center. She worked happily, until she was 82.

As hard as mom worked, and enjoyed it, she was always a lady to the core. She loved getting her hair done weekly, her nails done, and shopping for her beautiful clothes. She never lost that desire to look nice, through her whole life- she was a lady to the end!

Dorine is survived by her only daughter, Shari (Mark) LaRosa, Grandchildren: Shane (Amanda) York, Myles (Jennifer) York, Jennifer LaRosa, Phil (Casey) LaRosa, Great Grandchildren: Tyler York, Carter York, Elle York, Grey York, Emma VanRyswyk, Sam VanRyswyk, Rhys VanRyswyk, Sophia LaRosa, Elora LaRosa. Gary and Patty York are special family members.

Dorine's family would like to thank Imagine' Salon in Sycamore, IL, Sal and Dawn, for the tenderness and love they showed to Mom, weekly as they made Mom feel beautiful, when doing her hair and nails. That was so important to her.

Dorine's family would also like to thank the compassionate and loving staff from DeKalb Nursing and Rehab Center, for the love and tremendous care that they gave to Dorine for the time she resided there. They cared for Dorine with such tenderness- you could see it in their eyes and the way they hugged her. It was wonderful to watch. They also showed the family that same love and concern. It was and is so appreciated.

A celebration of Dorine's beautiful, long life will be held at a later date.  Cremation rites were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home and Crematory 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.