Obituary for Dorothy A. Schulze

Dorothy was born February 28, 1931, in Hector Minn., to Einar and Clara (Ballard) Nielsen. She lived in Hector until 1947, which at that time the family moved to Caledonia. Her family started an International/Hudson dealership and continued with the construction company Hector Construction Company which was a major employer in the community. Dorothy attended Caledonia High School and graduated in 1949. She was the homecoming queen in her senior year. Dorothy attended Winona State University and graduated with an associate degree in Education on February 28, 1951. She taught for one year. On February 3, 1951, she was united in marriage to Leland F. Schulze and to this union 5 children were born.

Dorothy was very involved in Immanuel Lutheran Church. She served on the church council, was chairman of the Ruth Circle for many years, WELCA, Altar Guild, Meatball Supper and various other functions in the church. Dorothy made over 200 baptismal towels beginning in 1983. Dorothy is known for her delicious peanut brittle, crocheted Afghans, counted cross-stitch and many other craft projects. She sewed costumes for Founders Day plays. She also made clothes from scratch and altered many outfits for people. Dorothy loved golf; it was a weekly event at Ma Cal Grove with the ladies. Dorothy loved to travel and has been to the Holy Land, Egypt, Ireland along with many cruises. She also went on many bus tours within the States. Dorothy has always had a positive attitude and cheerful personality, to know her is to love her.

Dorothy is survived by two sons, Michael of Spring Grove and Allen (Donna) of Caledonia; one daughter, Debra Houdek (special friend, Dean “Beanzy” Schellhammer) of Caledonia; grandchildren, Brent (Melissa) Schulze, Brad (Kim) Schulze, Mark Houdek, Megan (JonPaul) Kurkowski; five great-grandchildren, Kira, Ashlyn, Blake, Chloe and Paxton; sister-in-law, Joanne Schulze; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland “Gunny;” her parents; two infant daughters Mary and Susan; son-in-law, Lyle Houdek; daughter-in-law, Paula Schulze; brother, Clarence “Speed” Nielsen; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Herlad, Elaine Wilhelm, and Rita Schulze; brothers-in-law, Paul Wilhelm, Garland Schulze, and Gene Schulze.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 13, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Caledonia Library, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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