Dorothy C. Hamre

Dorothy Arlene Christianson Hamre was born on February 14, 1928, in Hendrum, Minnesota to Tena Restad Christianson and Arthur Christianson. She was the fifth of six surviving children and the only girl, though she had a younger sister who was stillborn. Dorothy attended schools in rural Minnesota and graduated from Erskine High School, in 1946, as the Salutatorian of her class. She then went on to the Minnesota School of Business where she reconnected with Melvern Hamre, a childhood friend, while earning a two-year degree in Business. Love was in the air and, on October 9, 1949, Mel and Dorothy were wed at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church In Hendrum. They were married by Reverend J.J. Jacobsen, who had baptized and confirmed each of them, and then married the young couple, all at the same altar.

In 1960, Mel and Dorothy heard the Call of the West and moved their young family, which then included three children, to California, sight unseen. They had no jobs or a place to live, but struck out in faith. They started in Riverside, but soon settled in San Bernardino where they made a life they loved. Dorothy worked in the banking industry until her first retirement, then her second retirement, at which time she went back to work for The Catholic Diocese in San Bernardino, finally retiring for good in 2004. She was a friend to all who knew her, known for her work ethic, sense of fun and adventure, party and holiday hosting, and gentle kindness that allowed her to see the best in everyone she met. Through many trials in life, including being burned while 8 months pregnant, adult polio, and losing her home to a fire, Dorothy succeeded in making lemonade out of lemons. She even wrote a book about it titled, “The Lemonade Was Great: A Memoir by Dorothy Hamre.”

In addition to her exceptional work and home life, Dorothy was a long-time volunteer at her church, Spirit of Our Savior Lutheran (previously Lutheran Church of Our Savior), where she taught Sunday School to preschoolers for over 30 years and served on the Church Council and Women’s Board, as a Lector and Communion Assistant during Sunday services, book keeper, offering counter, cook and baker for special events and those in bereavement, and Bible Study Hostess. She also volunteered as a leader for her sons’ Cub Scout Pack and taught cooking to her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Tena and Arthur, her brothers Victor, Vernon, Earl, Donald, and Jimmy, her beloved Mel, husband of nearly 59 years, and too many in-laws and wonderful friends to count. She is survived by her children Cathi Tasker, former son-in-law Bruce Tasker (partner Jeanne Baker), Jim Hamre, Scott (Carol) Hamre, Dianne (Chuck) Callahan, and Julie (Timothy) Ball; grandchildren Ryan Tasker (Rebecca and children Henry and Edward), Kevin Tasker (Jelena and daughter Sophia), Nicholas Hamre (partner Jacob Granado), Caitlin Callahan, Collin Callahan (Megan and children Charlotte and baby boy on the way), Lillian Ball (fiance Steven Martinez), Noah Ball, and Matthew Ball. In addition, Dorothy leaves behind many friends (including friends of her children and grandchildren, who love her so), nieces, nephews, and their families.

Dorothy was a light to this world, our true North Star, and the most loving example of Christ we could know. We will miss, and love, her forever.

A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Spirit of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5050 N. Sierra Way, San Bernardino, CA with lunch to follow. Internment will be private.

Dorothy's favorite charity was Smile Train, an organization that offers children with a cleft lip or palate the opportunity to thrive. We know she would be honored for any donation to them in her name or to Spirit of Our Savior Lutheran Church.