Dorothy Zuehlsdorff

Dorothy Viola Zuehlsdorff, 89, a resident of FergusFalls, died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the Lakeland Hospice House in FergusFalls. Dorothy was born in Superior, WI, on June 10, 1921, the daughter of Elmer and Rose (Norgren) Johnson. When she was 2 years old the family moved to the Elizabeth area. She attended rural schools in Elizabeth and FribergTownships and was confirmed at TonsethLutheranChurch in FribergTownship. Dorothy worked for several families doing house work, starting at the age of 15. From 1942 until 1944 she worked as a cook for LakeRegionHospital. On September 24, 1944 she married Warner Zuehlsdorff at VangChurch in rural FergusFalls. To that union two sons were born. They couple farmed in AurdalTownship until Warner’s death in 1981. Dorothy was a member of VangChurch serving as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent and active in Ladies’ Aid. VangLutheranChurch was destroyed by fire in 1972 after which Dorothy became a member of the First United Church of Christ in FergusFalls. She was involved in Esther Circle, helped with many fundraisers, volunteered to visit members who were ill or shut-in, and spearheaded a quilting group. After moving to FergusFalls in 1988, she was an active member in the VFW Auxiliary, and charter member of the Y’s Folks. She was an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Food Shelf and Lakeland Hospice. She was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Dorothy enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, baking, making lefse and donuts, entertaining, dancing, playing cards, fishing, traveling, watching Twins baseball and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Warner; special friend, Melvin Bruns; brothers, Elias Johnson and Chester Johnson, who died in infancy; sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Lloyd Skramstad and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond and Darlene Zuehlsdorff. Survivors include her sons, Warren (Becky) and Les (Rita) Zuehlsdorff all of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Chad (Sue) Zuehlsdorff and their children Vincent, Clara and Lucy of Lakeville, MN, Christopher (Anita) Zuehlsdorff and their children, Henry and Luke of Sleepy Hollow, NY, Jessica Zuehlsdorff and her children, Olivia and David of Fergus Falls, Leah (Jason) Tschakert and their children, Isabella and Reagan of Farmington, MN, Nicholas Stephan of St. Paul, MN; brother, Ellard (LaVonne) Johnson; sister-in-law, Mary Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:          5 to 7 Monday with a public prayer service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m.Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at First United Church of Christ in FergusFalls Clergy:              Reverend Tom Gard Interment:         First United Church of Christ Cemetery, FergusFalls.