Dorothy Wiemerslage

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:34 pm

Dorothy Wiemerslage, 91, of Decorah, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah. Services were at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, at Congregational United Church of Christ in Decorah, with Rev. Laura Arnold officiating. Organist was Ben Sides. Congregational hymn was “How Great Thou Art.”  A duet, performed by Doris and Jon Thompson, was “In the Garden.” A duet, performed by Marlene Fensterman and Peter Liermann, was “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Honorary casket bearers were Alison Bishop, director of nursing and all the caring staff at the Barthell Eastern Star Home. Casket bearers were Clay Wiemerslage, Ben Wiemerslage, Dick Kerndt, Clark Kerndt, Brad Kerndt and Dave Cocker. Interment was at Wheatland Cemetery, New Albin. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Dorothy Marie (Kerndt) Wiemerslage was born Oct. 1, 1924, the daughter of Herman and Clara (Marti) Kerndt on the family farm near Churchtown, rural Allamakee County. Dorothy was baptized Oct. 23, 1924, at the Zion Reformed Church, Waukon and was confirmed in 1935 at the Congregational Church, Churchtown. While growing up, Dorothy helped on the farm by doing whatever needed, but the outside chores were her favorite. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1942, and worked part-time at a gift shop in Waukon. Dorothy worked for eight years at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse as a nurse’s aide. Dorothy was united in marriage to Les Wiemerslage Nov. 13, 1954, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Together they had and raised Bob and Jane. Dorothy and Les lived in New Albin from 1955-65, and then moved to Decorah, where Dorothy worked at the Smith Memorial Hospital in Decorah as a nurse’s aide. She then started working for the Decorah Community School District in food service from 1968-86. After retirement, Dorothy worked at the Dayton House and as a sub at Sunflower Daycare. She and Les enjoyed their winters in Arizona for five years and also fishing with friends up North. Dorothy truly loved spending time with her neighbors and her friends, and her children’s friends. Dorothy enjoyed cooking, the kids in school, playing cards, square dancing, walking, bowling, water aerobics, volunteering, vegetable gardening, her flower beds, as well as baking and giving away what she made to others. She also was delighted to be asked to be a model in the front windows at Margaret’s Clothing Store. Dorothy treasured her loving relationship with her sister, Lucille, for her entire life. Dorothy enjoyed being busy, but above everything else, she loved and cared deeply for her husband and children. Dorothy was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ and the Petra Circle, Wellington Place Ladies Auxiliary, the Red Smock Bowling League and several card clubs.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Les Wiemerslage, Decorah; two children, Bob (Sara) Wiemerslage, Shueyville and Jane Wiemerslage, Apple Valley, Minn.; two grandsons, Clay (Lindsey) Wiemerslage and Ben (Molly Elliott) Wiemerslage; one sister, Lucille Halverson, Waukon; three sisters-in-law: Patsy Kerndt, Lansing, Lou Kerndt, Omaha, Neb. and Rosemary Kerndt, Omaha, Neb.; along with many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter; her parents, Herman and Clara (Marti) Kerndt; three brothers: Warren Kerndt, Harold (Sharon) Kerndt and Donald “Donnie” Kerndt; one brother-in-law, Jack Halverson; Dorothy’s father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Anna (Gade) Wiemerslage; one sister-in-law, Helen (Harold) Franck.