Dorothy Wangsness

Dorothy Wangsness, 101, of Miller, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service was held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Pastor Max Miller officiating. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation began at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the church.

Dorothy Marie was born July 23, 1913, the second of three children, to James and Marie (Nelson) Nielson at home near Miller. When Dorothy was four years old, she moved with her family to a farm in Midland Township in the Ree Hills. She had two sisters, Margaret Cain and Viola Jansen, both deceased.

Dorothy attended a one-room country school and graduated from Miller High School in 1931. She then earned a teaching certificate from Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen.

She married Henry L. Wangsness on October 24, 1934. They lived southwest of Miller in Rockdale Township. Her highest priority was her family. She was an active farm wife, busy raising children, and maintaining a farm home. She sewed, gardened, and cooked for her active family without the many conveniences we now take for granted. Dorothy and Henry enjoyed traveling. After 47 years of marriage, Henry passed away September 3, 1982.

Dorothy continued her active life and kept busy quilting, crocheting, and playing bingo. She especially enjoyed traveling on bus tours and made many friends. With a growing family of grandchildren and later great-grandchildren, she always had cookies and treats on hand; while having such a positive influence on so many generations.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, TLCW, Hope Circle, Order of Eastern Star, lifetime member of Weight Watchers, and an official member of Keloland Century Club.

Her memory will be cherished by her children: Darrell (Carol) Wangsness, Rose (Rodney) Fawcett, Mark (Diane) Wangsness, Harriet (Dwane) Chipman, and Jerry (Louise) Wangsness; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Dave) Vitters; son-in-law, Roger (JoAnn Morford) Zens; grandchildren: Larry (Skyla) Wangsness, Melissa Wangsness, Angela Wangsness, J.D. (Melanie) Wangsness, Ken (Mary Pat) Fawcett, Marie Fawcett, Brenda (Alan) Beare, Chad Fawcett, Terry Wangsness, Jr., Tammy (Dave) Dehne, Gina Zens, Jennie (Scott) Harvey, Minnie (Jason) Breazlan, Stacie (Chad) Koth, Nikie (Troy) Lammers, Teresa (Ron) Vernon, Ashley (Jay) Winter, and Hailey Chipman; great grandchildren: Cody (Katie) Wangsness and Kyle (Amanda) Wangsness; Micheal, Matthew and Stetson Wangsness; Tanner Wangsness; Kylee, Brittlyn, and Devin Garrett; Ben Wangsness; McKenzie and Lane Fawcett; Payton Beare; Brooke Fawcett; Terry III and Briana Wangsness; Cassandra and Dalton Dehne; Alicia Price; Joshua and Austin Harvey; Madelyn and Brenden Koth; Ben and Jack Vernon; and Adalie Winter; great-great grandchildren: Lilly and Cole Wangsness, Ely and Cooper Wangsness, and Harper Spilde; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; two sisters: Margaret Cain and Viola Jansen; children: Roger (Marlene) Wangsness, DeWayne Wangsness, Terry Wangsness, and Dorothy “Dotty” Zens; grandchildren: Ann Wangsness, Michelle Wangsness, and Roger Zens, Jr.; and special friend, Ray Gall.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Dorothy’s arrangements.