Dorothy Jean Goeske was born June 5, 1936, to Elmer and Hilda (Petersen) Woolsey in Jeffers, Minnesota. Her younger years were spent with her parents and siblings on their rural farm. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1954.
On June 12, 1955, Dorothy was united in marriage to Wendell Goeske at Bethany Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Luverne. Dorothy’s earlier years were spent working at Tri-State Insurance and Luverne Bumper Company. Later in life she held various jobs working with the Luverne Public Schools. Her final and favorite years there were spent operating the lunch line at Luverne Public Schools so she could see the students every day.
Dorothy died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Sanford Luverne Medical Center at the age of 86 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
Dorothy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she was active in circle, choir, Bible study and Sunday school. She spent time caring for the residents of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Her children and extended family were a very important part of her life.
Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her son, Mark, and his wife, Serena, along with their children, Sean and Charlene; son-in-law Ken and children, Chris and Mindy; siblings Darlene, Donna, Dale, and David.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Woolsey and Hilda Woolsey (Ihlan); husband, Wendell; and daughter, Pamela.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. A memorial service will be Sunday, June 11, at 1 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.