Dorothy Karkhoff

LIFE HISTORY for DOROTHY KARKHOFF
Dorothy Karkhoff, age 85 of Sauk Centre passed away on Saturday evening at the Bethany Home in Alexandria, MN.
Dorothy was born on February 26, 1921 in Meadowvale, Minnesota to Herman and Marie (Radant) Stuefen. She graduated from Elk River High School and then took a job at an ammunition plant in New Brighton. After a time, Dorothy returned to Elk River and worked in a doctor's office. On August 23, 1947, Dorothy was married to Gerald Karkhoff in Zimmerman, MN. They raised three children and Dorothy also helped her husband care for their herd of sheep. For ten years, Dorothy worked as a sales clerk at the JCPenny store in Sauk Centre. When her elderly mother needed extra care, Dorothy was there. She was also a caregiver for her husband's stepmother during her final years.
Dorothy had many interests and hobbies. One of her favorite hobbies was doing ceramics. She painted and fired many beautiful projects to give as gifts to her family and friends. Sewing, quilting and needlepoint were other handicrafts she liked to do. Whether she was traveling around the country (including a car trip to Alaska) or just taking the family on a Sunday afternoon picnic, Dorothy was happy. She loved to go dancing and socializing, but also found pleasure out working in her flower and vegetable gardens. Dorothy was an avid reader and an excellent cook. Many batches of cookies were baked out of her kitchen over the years.
Dorothy was a kind and loving wife, mother and grandma who will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jerry Karkhoff of Sauk Centre; her children, Kristine & Gene Hansen, also of Sauk Centre, Kevin Karkhoff of Maple Grove and Micheal & Judy Karkhoff of Rowlett, TX; 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Hugo Stuefen; 5 sisters, Alvina Lowe, Elsie Anderson, Clara Ciamprone, Hilda Malcom and Selma Paulson.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Steve Hayden officiating. Musicians were organist, Gail Kane and soloist, Mark Springler. Interment is at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Honorary bearers were Quinton and Roshonna Smith and D.J. and Matthew Schmid. Active bearers were Lori and Amy Hinnenkamp, Paul and Staci Theisen, Gene Woida and Tyler Foxworthy.
Arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.