DoraEllen “Dora” Zeimens, PhD, passed away September 2, 2026. Dora was born August 22,1947 in Inman, NE, at home, to Jim and Marjaul (Kestenholtz) Ferris. Dora grew up in rural Nebraska, graduating from Atkinson High School in 1965. She attended Wayne State College, graduating in 1969 with a bachelors of fine arts in music education. 

Dora taught k-12 music and band in several schools including Stuart, NE; Yoder and Chugwater, WY, before moving to Laramie where she worked for the University of Wyoming. In 1989 Dora graduated from UW with a masters degree in information technology. That fall she moved her family to Casa Grande, AZ, where she was the head of the school districts IT department. Desert life wasn’t for Dora, so after a year, she moved back to Laramie, where she again worked for UW. Dora worked there for several years, continued her education and became Microsoft certified. She also received a doctorate degree in information technology education. She taught in Utah for a while before returning to Laramie to teach at LCCC both in Laramie and Cheyenne. Dora ended her career teaching in North Platte, NE, at Mid-Plains Community College. She retired in Cheyenne, WY, to be close to family. 

Outside of teaching, Dora enjoyed playing piano, crocheting, genealogy, spending time with family, traveling, and riding her bike. 

Dora is survived by her children, Tammy (Jason), Cathy, and Matt (Peggy); grandchildren, Xavier (Ariel), Aidan (Genny), Jonah (Calista) and Carlene; 5 great grandchildren; brother Gary; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She’s preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, and former husband Jim. 

Graveside services will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2026 at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie.