Dorothy Widstrom

Dorothy Eleanor (Dierkhising) Widstrom was born on July 9, 1933 in Freeport, MN to Isidore and Eleanor (Koch) Dierkhising. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She attended school in Millerville, Glenwood, and Alexandria where she graduated from Central High School in 1951. After high school, Dorothy worked as a dental assistant at Dr. Bongaard?s office for thirteen years. She married Harold Loeffler in 1954. Harold died in 1959. On October 3, 1964 Dorothy was united in marriage to Eugene Widstrom at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Dorothy became mother to seven step-children and gave birth to Mark in 1965. Dorothy was very active at St. Mary?s church; she belonged to the Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, and church choir. She also belonged to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Legion, and VFW Auxiliary. Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, calligraphy, volunteering, water skiing, dancing, traveling, and making birthday cards for family and friends. She also had a fond heart for dogs, especially her dog Penny. Dorothy died on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Knute Nelson at the age of 77. She is survived by husband, Gene; son, Mark (Jennifer) Widstrom of Duluth; and step-children, Michele Groves of Woodbury, Christopher (Sharon) Widstrom of St. Cloud, Denise (Rick) Barnaal of Kimberly, WI, Beth (Roger) Widstrom-Anderson of Maple Grove, Paula (Gary) Hanson of Champlin, Ken (Teresa) Widstrom of Coon Rapids, and Mary (Roger) Helgeson of Minneapolis; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Don (Carol) Dierkhising of Nevis and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Isidore and Eleanor; and first husband, Harold Loeffler. A memorial service was held on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Reverend Steve Binsfeld officiating. Entombment was held at St. Mary?s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Honorary urn bearers were Paul Dierkhising, Judy Alberts, Karl Dierkhising, Ross Dierkhising, Glen Dierkhising, and Luke Widstrom. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.