Dorothy Gerlach

Dorothy Helen Gerlach, 90, a resident of Barrett, died Sunday February 16th at Lake Region Healthcare in Elbow Lake. She was born on November 13, 1934, to Wallace and Myrtle (Lyngstad) Murphy at their farmhouse in Andrea township north of Foxhome, Minnesota. She was the only daughter and the oldest of three children. Her childhood nickname was Dolly. She was baptized and confirmed at the Foxhome Lutheran Church. She attended District #59, a country school in Andrea township. In grade school, she competed in the state spelling bee. Dolly then attended high school in Breckenridge, graduating with the class of 1952.

In May of 1952, she and Robert "Bob" Steiner were married at the Foxhome Lutheran Church. Bob was stationed in California with the Marine Corps where they lived for a brief time in San Clemente California. In 1954, they built a new farmhouse in which they raised six children on a farm south of Rothsay in Akron township. In 1964, they purchased a lake cabin on the north shore of Deer Lake where they made many great summertime memories with family and close friends. They raised all their children in faith at the Foxhome Lutheran Church and at the Rothsay Public School. They both liked to go out with friends for a night of dining and dancing. Together they traveled to Arizona, Texas, Mexico, Florida, California, Yellowstone and Hawaii.

In 1981, Dorothy moved to the Fargo Moorhead area where she lived alone for five years. Dorothy was truly a people person who enjoyed working as a waitress and hostess. She also was in sales as an independent retail distributor for the Fuller Brush Company where she formed many loyal and lasting relationships.

In January of 1986, she married Richard "Dick" Gerlach. They made their home in Detroit Lakes, MN. They both enjoyed going to auctions, flea markets and casinos. In 1995, she opened an antique store in D.L. called Dötties's Collectibles. She also worked at the Shooting Star Casino as a telephone receptionist and as a friendly greeter at the local Walmart. As a proud grandma, she gained the new nickname of Grandma Dot.

In 2020, she moved to Elbow Lake after 34 years of living in Detroit Lakes to be closer to her family. In 2023, she made her last move to the Barrett Care Center for her final two years of her life. She received wonderful care and made many friends with the residents and the great staff at the care center.

Preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers, Donald (Phyllis) Murphy, Dennis (Joan) Murphy, a grandson, David Gerald Steiner and daughter-in-law Katherine Joyce Steiner.

Survivors include her six children: Gerald Robert Steiner and Jeffery Dennis (Joanne) Steiner, both of rural Rothsay, Jennifer Jo (Jim) Wznick of Stanley, ND, Jacquelyn Dee (Bill) Mattson of Sartell, MN, Jill Noelle Steiner of Watertown, SD, Jay (Nickole) Steiner of Elbow Lake MN, 17 grandchildren: Robbie (Traci) Steiner, Kriste (Craig) Sullivan, Wade, Taylor, Ashley, Emily Steiner, Tanner (Amy) Wznick, Afton (Logan) Schaper, Alyx (Shawn) Erickson, Rylee (Jack) Yakowicz, Brynn Wznick, Blair Mattson, Paige (Matt) Wildenauer, Saydee (Bryce) Haugrud, Carly Steiner, Morgan Steiner and Jacob Steiner, 15 great-grandchildren: Savannah, Vanessa, Scarlett and David. Duke, Poppy and Rocco. Natalie and Clara. Ames, Sterling, Millie and Ross. June and Oak.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2025 at Foxhome Lutheran Church in Foxhome with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment: Burau Cemetery, Rural Foxhome, MN.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com