Dolly Fortier Obituary – Death: Cedar Valley Radio Icon, Dolly Fortier Dies At 88
Dolly Fortier Obituary News: Dolly Fortier, a radio icon in the Cedar Valley, has died. The 86-year-old broadcaster suffered a heart attack last Thursday. When Cruisin’ KCFI Radio changed its format, her regular listeners noted her disappearance.
According to the KCFI website, she passed away on Wednesday. Dolly was an extraordinary woman. She worked really hard to make her audience happy. Jim Coloff, president and owner of Coloff Media and owner of the station, remarked that no one loved them more than Dolly, and she reciprocated that affection.
One of the 2017 Eight Over 80 recipients, Fortier, was profiled in The Courier. She acknowledged in an interview at the time that she had “a motor that never stops.” God has given me the power to do tasks. I like interacting with people and having stuff to do.
She finally decided to leave KWLO Radio in 2008 after 39 years of service. While she remained dedicated to her voluntary work, in 2013 she returned to broadcasting after a five-year hiatus. Fortier dominated the airwaves from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday.
“Lunchtime with Dolly” on KCFI FM 105.1 and AM 1250 quickly drew a sizable audience.
Mon was Big Band day. Monday was followed by Guy Thursday, Girl Tuesday, Whatever, Guy Thursday, and Featured Artist Friday. The Courier quoted her as saying, “I pick them up from magazines, people’s refrigerators.”
Additionally, her audience loved that she shared information and “thoughts for the day.” When Dolly was on television, according to Coloff, the studio phones “exploded” with requests, congratulations, inquiries, and even a marriage proposal. She had a lot of admirers. It was common practice for males to send flowers.
She was honored as the 2016 Broadcaster of the Year by the Iowa Broadcasters Association. The clever radio broadcaster claimed to The Courier that “I loved radio because I grew up with radio.” In a nutshell, it’s a fascinating line of employment. I’m just happy I got to take part in this area’s local history and get to meet the people who helped to shape it.
After being born in Britt, Fortier relocated to Waterloo in 1956. When her sons were in school, she participated in PTA, and after her daughter was born with a disability, she joined Arc Cedar Valley (originally the Association for Retarded Citizens). She began working at KWWL-FM in 1970 as a copywriter and sales coordinator before switching to a sales position.
Since taking the stage for the first time in 1996, Fortier has developed a devoted following. Fortier received recognition in 1998 for a series of public service announcements he produced for the US Navy. He also spent many years participating in the Fourth Street Cruise.
Dolly volunteered with the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, and the Waterloo Planning, Programming, and Zoning Commission. She performed at the Waterloo Community Playhouse as well.
In addition to running a bowling league at Maple Lanes and sitting on the boards of both the Arc and the former Country View Nursing Home, Fortier devoted many hours to assisting people with disabilities. On her way to the studio, Dolly frequently came by my office, and I’ll miss seeing her cheerful smile.
Dolly always made my day better with a smile and some sound counsel. She was unique, in the words of Coloff. When Fortier received The Courier’s Eight over 80 Award, she opened out about her tips for living a long and fulfilling life. We weren’t put on this earth to do nothing but fidget, in my opinion. Our purpose for being here is very clear. I want to leave feeling worn out when I go. This ancient lady won’t rust.