Dorothy J. Hansen

Dorothy J. Hansen, age 63, of Philip, S.D., died on Friday, January 6, 2017, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

 

Dorothy J. Schumacher was born March 2, 1953, to Paul and Mary (Brendel) Schumacher in Bismarck, N.D.

 

Dorothy graduated from Zeeland High School in 1971. She moved to Aberdeen, S.D., and worked at the Starlight Café for 10 months before taking a job with Lien Construction. Lien transferred her to Philip to work on the Interstate 90 project. She was told she was the first woman in the state of South Dakota to drive gravel truck for a construction company. Winter found her laid off of the interstate project, so she began driving truck for the Philip Sale Barn. 

 

She met Russell “Digger” Hansen at that time. She climbed into his truck and never got out. They were united in marriage on April 20, 1974.

 

Working was Dorothy’s passion and she held jobs at the Philip Locker Plant, did home day care, helped Digger with construction, and in 1981 began 30 years of Dorothy’s Catering. In 1990, Digger and Dorothy opened Rock ’N Roll Lanes. This was the perfect fit for her. They never had customers, only friends, she would say, which made the endeavor so pleasurable.

 

Hosting Kids League, keeping old folks fed, giving out Dum Dums and Jolly Ranchers to the youngsters, and coercing a strike out of a flailing bowler with a shot of Wedding Schnapps were highlights for her at her business.

 

In return, people came right into her kitchen to give her a hug and compliment her on an awesome meal. This was her favorite gift from someone, it gave her warm fuzzies! She loved to visit with the German North Dakotans when they came through her door, a change to share culture and memories.

 

Survivors include her husband, Russell “Digger” Hansen of Philip; one daughter, Michele (Jeff) Fuegen of Gann Valley, S.D.; three grandchildren, Harlie, Gunner and Brodie Fuegen; six brothers, Clarence (Evonne) Schumacher of Box Elder, Dan (Joyce) Schumacher of Anoka, Minn., Willie (Else) Schumacher of Aberdeen, Francis Schumacher of Box Elder, Albert (Coreen) Schumacher of Venturia, N.D., and Mike Schumacher of Aberdeen; two sisters, Vickie Schumacher of Aberdeen, and Paula Knigge of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her children, Nicole and Paul; her parents; her sister, Kathy Cordry; and her father and mother-in-law.

 

Dorothy often directed bowlers to “shake hands with the headpin and he’ll shake hands with you.” Now she’d be encouraging us to “shake hands with God, and He’ll shake hands with you.”

Dorothy always believed that pennies are angels from heaven. No matter how dirty that penny might be, pick it up and give it a kiss – now that angel is Dorothy! Still blessing us with her presence and letting you know she is still with us.

 

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday, January 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant and Deacon Lloyd Frein as con-celebrant.

Music was provided by Marianne Frein, organist, Maureen Palecek, cantor, Coreen, Mindy, Jody and Janae Schumacher and Tabatha Coto, vocalists.

 

Eucharistic ministers were Rita O’Connell and Kay Ainslie. Lector was Chantell Borkowski. Ushers were Alvin Pearson, Mark Coyle and Kenny Brendel. Pallbearers were Jon Schumacher, Chad Semmler, Troy Salsgiver, Taylor Kinigge, Chad Borkowski and Paul Schumacher.

 

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery.

 

Arrangements were with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

 

Her online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome. com