Dorothy Smidt

DOROTHY ELAINE SMIDT was born to Ernest and Emelia (Meyer) Brockberg on January 25, 1927. Dorothy attended the country school by Jasper and then attended Pipestone Public school until 9th grade. Dorothy met Russell Smidt and the two were married on October 16, 1945 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Trosky, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple lived on an acreage north of Edgerton, Minnesota. A year later the couple moved to Trosky, Minnesota. In 1961, they then moved to Pipestone and began managing the American Legion in town. While in Pipestone, Dorothy worked at a myriad of different jobs during her time in Pipestone, including the Pipestone Hospital, the bowling alley, and the American Legion. In 1976, the couple moved to Walker, Minnesota and owned the Shady Knolls Resort. While in Walker, Dorothy worked at the state hospital and the Red Owl store as a cook. Dorothy and Russ retired in 1989 and moved to Jasper, Minnesota. The couple then returned to Pipestone in 2006. Russ passed away on September 5, 2009. Dorothy continued to live in Pipestone until her passing on March 25, 2018 at the Pipestone County Hospice at the age of 91 years and two months.

She was a devout member of the St Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Dorothy was an avid Minnesota sports fan, cheering on her two favorite teams, the Twins and the Vikings. As a true Minnesota girl, Dorothy also enjoyed fishing and spending time in nature. Although she greatly enjoyed her hobbies, she loved spending time with her family most of all. She truly enjoyed watching her children and then grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her three beloved sons, Gary (Rita) Smidt of Marshall, Minnesota, Ronald “Ron” (Teddy) Smidt of Madison, South Dakota, Craig (Michelle) Smidt of Bullhead City, Arizona; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many other loving friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russ; two children, an infant son and infant daughter; her parents; and siblings, Helen Hellwinckel, Arthur Brockberg, Harry Brockberg, Delores Kruen, and an infant sister. The family requests that those in attendance at the funeral or visitation wear Twins or Vikings apparel to support Dorothy’s teams. The family also requests that memorials be directed to the Pipestone Hospice House.