Dorothy Vanderheiden, 95

Dorothy Mary Vanderheiden, 95, died Friday, March 30, 2012.

Dorothy was born June 19, 1916 at Madelia, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lasses) Kunz. Dorothy attended school in Madelia until her mother got sick when she was in her second year of high school. Being the oldest of five children, she was asked to stay at home to help her mother raise her siblings. Later, when helping a sick aunt in Nebraska, she met Ben Vanderheiden, whom she married on June 1, 1937.

Among other things, she helped Ben run a hardware store and also did custom sewing and altering. Dorothy enjoyed gardening flowers and vegetables and family activities.

After moving to Alexandria she worked at White Mart and several other places. In her retirement years, Dorothy and Ben made crafts and went to many shows to sell them. She loved to travel, fish and a little casino time.

She is survived by her husband of almost 75 years, Ben; three sons, Donald (Mavis), Richard (Sharon), Charles (Cindy) Vanderheiden; son-in-law, Ray Hussong; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lorraine (Marvin) Haberman.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Phyllis Hussong; parents, Jacob and Mary Kunz; two brothers, Arthur (Bea), Claire Kunz; and a sister, Adaline (Earl) Fladmo.

Mass of Christian Burial was held for Dorothy on Wednesday, April 4 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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