Dorothy M. Dondlinger

Dorothy Marie Dondlinger was born to Jess and Laura (Wilhelms) Gumble on December 6, 1932 at Bruning, Nebraska and passed away March 6, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 89 years and 3 months. Dorothy was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bruning, Nebraska where she spent her first few years of life. Her family then moved to a farm place 1 mile north of Belvidere where she also completed all 12 years of school. After graduation, Dorothy spent several years teaching at 9 different country schools in Thayer County. In October of 1953, she met Linus at a friend's wedding. Dorothy and Linus later married on November 5, 1955 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alexandria. They only called Alexandria ‘home’ for a few months before purchasing the local tavern in the nearby town of Daykin in July of 1956. This is where they would start their family and eventually build their own home in April of 1973 at the corner of Francis Street and Mary Avenue. Dorothy and Linus had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. She was a patient and supportive mother. She was known to have kept school artwork, extracurricular activity projects, and homemade cards tucked away well beyond their childhood years. When Lori and Lisa were in school, Dorothy started working in the school kitchen in Daykin which consisted of elementary students and then moved out to the newly constructed Meridian Public School kitchen in 1977. She loved her job so much that she added 8 more years to her intended end date which she said would be when her youngest daughter, Lisa, graduated. She proudly served 27 years of school lunches to those that attended school in Daykin and Meridian Public School. Dorothy spent her spare time working in her and Linus’ garden, canning her garden harvest, watering her petunias, and making yarn crafts. She was an active member of the Daykin American Legion Auxiliary, Daykin Community Club and Daykin Extension Club. She put in a lot of time helping plan the Daykin Centennial Celebration. Dorothy had three grandchildren; Eric, Melissa, and Mikaela. She took on the grandma role with great pride but would never allow them to call her ‘Granny’ because she kept extending the age limit. She was their biggest fan and the listening ear behind every phone call whether it was to vent, to share great news, or just chat about life. After Linus passed away, Dorothy continued to live in Daykin for a few years before making the move to Geneva to be closer to her two daughters, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Due to a fall in her apartment, she eventually moved into Heritage Crossings in Geneva and later transferred to Fairview Manor in Fairmont. She kept busy by playing bingo with the other residents and watching Husker Athletics and Royals baseball. Dorothy cherished her family and remained connected to them through daily phone calls. Each of those phone calls ended with the same closing from her, “I love you from the bottom of my heart.” Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Laura Gumble; husband, Linus; 7 brothers-in-law; 4 sisters-in-law; and a great niece. She is survived by her daughter, Lori Reinsch; daughter, Lisa Dondlinger; grandson Eric Reinsch and wife Jodi; granddaughter, Melissa Mussman and husband Nick; granddaughter, Mikaela Gergen and special friend John Reardon; great grandchildren, Emmett, Madison, Sawyer, Makenzie, Kaisley, and Seth; Sister, Ruth Yoachim; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass for Dorothy was held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alexandria, Nebraska. A Rosary was prayed at 10:00 a.m., prior to the Mass. Father John Birkel presided over the Services. Jeff Davis accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Here I Am Lord,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” The recorded selection “Amazing Grace” was also played after Communion. Pallbearers for the Mass included Eric Reinsch, Nick Mussman, John Reardon, Kevin Yoachim, Kirk Yoachim, and Walt Dondlinger. Honorary Pallbearers included Melissa Mussman and Mikaela Gergen. Interment was held in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

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Dorothy M. Dondlinger

December 6, 1932 - March 6, 2022