Dorothy was born in the Township of Bear Creek, WI to Albert Herman Gomoll and Lena Ernstina Klemp. She committed her life to the Lord through Lutheran confirmation on April 10, 1949. She graduated from Clintonville High School in 1953 and received a scholarship to attend Milwaukee Hospital School of Nursing where she became a Registered Nurse. In October, 1958 she married Kenneth C. Smith and moved to St. Paul, MN. When her children were young, Dorothy worked part-time as an ICU/CCU nurse. She was eager to always complete training to be a better nurse. In 1973, Dorothy and Ken divorced and she set about to raise two children. Times were tough, but she did what she could. She taught CPR to individuals who were deaf, sold Mary Kay, and worked as a camp nurse to name a few. Eventually, she became a Director of Nurses for a nursing home which was her pride and joy. Later, Dorothy assisted nursing homes, in both MN and MS, to be Medicaid compliant. She moved to MS in 1996 and created new adventures.
Dorothy was an animal lover, having dogs when she was younger but always having cats. Dorothy talked fondly of growing up on the farm. She was an active member in the church choir, Women’s Missionaries, bible studies, and director of the children’s choir. When Dorothy was younger, she loved to play the piano and sing. She shared the gift of music with her family often. Dorothy also instilled the gift of humor with her family. She loved to laugh. Some of her favorite activities were playing Mexican Train with her neighbors or watching football. Dorothy had a gift of hospitality. She loved to bake, cook, and share goodies with others. She was a great cook. Another love of Dorothy was her garden and flowers. Her flower beds always looked amazing. Everyone who knew Dorothy knew that she loved the Lord and trusted him to guide her life. Her next joy and pride were her family. She loved to brag on her kids and grandkids and they bought her great joy.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anita Hermsen, nephews Thomas Haase and David Liebergen. Grandson, Jesse Lusk.
She is survived by her son, Keith A. (Valorie) Smith and her daughter, Eileen (Robert) Milner, grandchildren Amanda, Andrew, and Allison Milner and great grandchildren, Adelyn Mae Milner, Landon and Jesse Lusk. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Haase and nephew, Harold Liebergen.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 12 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with the funeral service to follow.
Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for the online guestbook.
PORTADORES
Alan Bankston
Joe Bush
Steve Dickie
Paul Huse
Casey Ming
Curtis Namanny
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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