Dorothy M. Christiansen, 96, a lifelong resident of Kimball, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and a life well-lived on September 9, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Cantrell Funeral Home in Kimball with Pastor Alvin Koski officiating. Burial will follow in the Kimball Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. the morning of the service. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to view Dorothy’s Tribute Wall and share stories and leave condolences for the family. Memorials may be given in her memory to the Panhandle Humane Society. The services for Dorothy have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Dorothy M. Christensen, born on March 30, 1928, in Wheatland, Wyoming, the daughter of Ora and Mary (Gragg) Knight. Raised in Wheatland, Dorothy graduated from Wheatland High School in 1946 before pursuing her passion for education. She attended college in Laramie, Wyoming, earning her teaching degree and later continued her studies to receive a master's degree in education.
Dorothy dedicated her career to shaping young minds, teaching third grade for many years in the Kimball Public School System. In the final 15 years of her career, she found her calling in special education, where her compassion and commitment shone brightly. Dorothy also served as principal of Mary Lynch Elementary School in the early 1960s, a role she held for five years. Throughout her career, she was honored with numerous awards recognizing her contributions to education and her students.
Outside the classroom, Dorothy had a deep love for nature and family. She and her beloved husband, Bob, traveled together in their motorhome, visiting 49 states and making countless cherished memories. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of trout fishing in Wyoming, camping with her family, and bird watching, where her knowledge of birds brought her great joy.
Dorothy was also an avid gardener, a skilled cook, and a generous baker, known for her pies and homemade jelly. She especially loved Thanksgiving, where her home was filled with warmth, good food, and the people she cared for deeply. Her gentle spirit, strong work ethic, and love for life left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Dorothy will be remembered for her lifelong dedication to education, her love for her family, and the many lives she touched through her teaching and care. She will be greatly missed but always cherished in the hearts of those who knew her.
Survivors include her son John (Shelley) Christiansen of Lemoyne, NE; grandchildren Aaron (Meridith) Christiansen, Andy (Amanda) Christiansen and Joel Christiansen; 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband Bob Christiansen, son Robert C. Christiansen, daughter Mary Christiansen, 2 infant sons and grandson Josh Christiansen preceded her in death.
