Dorla L. Hiemstra

Dorla Lois Hiemstra (née Morrison), 91, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born in Flint, Michigan, to Lawrence (Larry) and Dorothy Morrison, Dorla made Franklin Lakes her home for more than 80 years. She was married for 66 years to the love of her life, Kenneth Henry Hiemstra, Sr., until his passing in 2024.  

Dorla was a devoted mother to three children: Cheryl (Tom) Grieco, Darlene (Chuck) Shotmeyer, and Kenneth (Kimberly) Hiemstra, Jr. She was the cherished grandmother of seven: Alyssa Grieco Boucher, Andrew Grieco, Jacob Shotmeyer, Jenna Shotmeyer Heinrich, Cara Shotmeyer, Heather Hiemstra, and Nicole Hiemstra. She also leaves behind six beloved great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.  

Dorla is survived by her sister, Ruth Ann Struss (née Morrison), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Marla Basdekis (née Morrison), and her brother, Donald Morrison.  

A woman of deep faith, Dorla was a prayer warrior who loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus. She was a dedicated member of Hawthorne Gospel Church, where she actively served in the Serving Hands and Senior’s Ministries. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now in Heaven and that they will see her again.

Dorla faithfully supported her husband and worked alongside him in various business ventures.  She was active in the community as a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Franklin Lakes Historical Society.

Dorla was loved so very much by her family and will be missed dearly.

The Hiemstra family will receive friends on Thursday, July 17 from 9:00 until 11:00am at Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208 North, Hawthorne, NJ  07506.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00.  Interment will then take place at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ

Memorial contributions in Dorla’s name may be made to Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208 North, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorla L. Hiemstra, please visit our floral store.