Dorothy Marie (Schmidt) Wolfgram, age 88, entered the glorious presence of Jesus on November 16, 2020, surrounded by members of her loving family. She was born on September 23, 1932, in Young America MN to William and Louise Schmidt. After high school, she moved to Minneapolis and met Lawrence Wolfgram, who became the love of her life. They were married on May 3, 1953, and celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year. They settled in Maplewood MN where they built a house, living there for 63 years and raising their five children. Their home was often filled with music. Family gatherings often included the singing of a table grace or hymns. The family rendition of “Happy Birthday,” complete with five-part harmony, was unrivaled. For most of their marriage, they attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the St. Paul’s Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood where Dorothy was active in the Ladies’ Guild, and enjoyed attending Bible studies. Later they attended Woodbury Lutheran Church where they both participated in a myriad of community groups and activities.
In addition to being a devoted mother and an active member of many church and charitable groups, she found time to work at Donaldson’s department store, Gillette, and JoAnn Fabrics, where she picked up many ideas and tips for her creative endeavors. Dorothy was a talented quilter and shared her beautiful creations with her family and loved ones. Dorothy belonged to a quilting group that has made countless quilts for babies, as well as hats and mittens, and has shared nearly 8,000 quilts with shut-ins, homeless, and others in need.
Dorothy had an unparalleled heart for Jesus. She was a bold disciple of Christ and was never ashamed to speak openly about God’s promise of eternal life--wherever she was and to whomever she was with. Dorothy was a gatherer of people. Leading others to the Lord through her hospitality and loving example was one of her greatest joys. She was known to invite friends--often just met, into her home to share a holiday meal. She brought neighborhood kids to church with her family, and later in life would regularly walk through the halls of her apartment complex inviting and encouraging neighbors to attend online worship with her. Dorothy often displayed the Fruits of the Spirit through her humility and the grace-filled way she treated others. She was patient, kind and generous, always caring for others with a loving and gentle heart. People felt at ease with her because of her kind nature.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Bernice Otte, Lorna Grant, Hugo Schmidt, Martha Possehl, Erna Schulz, Roland Schmidt, and their spouses. She is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence, and children Barbara (Dennis) Scott, Beverly (Keith) Esala, Robert (Leslie) Wolfgram, Timothy (Sharon) Wolfgram, and Daniel (Hollie) Wolfgram; eleven loving grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service for family will be held at Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury, MN on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 4:00 PM.
The service may be viewed by the following link: https://youtu.be/aA9BkNSb4z0
Memorials or gifts are preferred to Lutheran Women’s Missionary League or Lutheran Bible Translators.
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