Dorothy J. Womeldorff

Dorothy J. Womeldorff, 89 , a longtime Stewartville,MN resident passed away from injuries suffered in a fall at her home, on Monday (8/31/26) at Mayo Clinic Rochester - Methodist Campus.

Dorothy Jean Gardner was born on  May  6, 1937 in Farrar,IA  to David and Margery(Gifford) Gardner. She grew up on the family farm and attended Mingo HS, graduating in 1955. She attended Teacher’s College for 1 year in Cedar Rapids before studying to become a beautician in Des Moines,IA.  Dorothy was married on June 26, 1958 at Mingo Methodist Church to Richard A. Womeldorff.  As a young woman, Dorothy owned and operated a beauty shop and helped her husband finance his college education during their early years living in Milwaukee. Her family fondly remembers her continuing to cut and style the hair of family and friends, often right in the kitchen or backyard. After Richard graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, Dorothy and Richard made their home in Endicott NY, where he was employed by IBM. The young family moved to  Stewartville in 1965, where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. In later years, Dorothy worked as a school cook for Stewartville Public Schools, retiring in 1993 with over 20 years of service. Dick was employed with IBM for 30 years until his retirement.                                                                                                                                          Dorothy was an active member of Stewartville United Methodist Church, where she generously volunteered her time for the many services and activities the church provided. She developed a wonderful group of friends through the church whose friendship and fellowship meant a great deal to her over the years.  Those who knew Dorothy knew her as an exceptionally loving, sweet and generous person who was always on the go. She was selfless by nature, quick to smile and seemed to always be in a good mood. She loved taking long walks with her husband, tending to the various flower and vegetable gardens at their home, and spending time on her many creative crafting projects. Above all, Dorothy loved spending time with her family, who were always at the center of her life.                                                     

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard; 1 daughter  and 2 sons- Denise Womeldorff (Gregg  Flekke) of Minnetonka,MN and grand-daughter Anna; Dan (Tracy) of Rochester,MN and grandsons - Ryan and Kyle; Don (Jill) of Woodbury,MN and grandchildren - Shea, Trent and Ayla (Nick Sheeley) and  Iris, their daughter and Dorothy’s great-granddaughter and Dorothy’s sister – Janet Hinkebein of St. Louis,MO.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Margery, and her brothers, Richard and Raymond Gardner.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on (September 10, 2026) at Stewartville United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Goeldi officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to time of service on Thursday morning  at the United Methodist Church. A private burial and committal service will follow at  the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston,MN. The family prefers memorials to  Stewartville United Methodist Church in Dorothy's memory.  Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Dorothy are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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