Dorothy Edna Schliep

Dorothy Edna Schliep was born February 26, 1928 in Shible Township, Swift County, Minnesota the daughter of Walter and Ida Bartz.  She was baptized on March 13, 1928 at her parent’s home by Reverend Waechter and confirmed on April 6, 1941 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway.   Dorothy graduated from Holloway High School, Class of 1945.

On September 18, 1946 Dorothy was united in marriage to LeRoy Schliep at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway, Minnesota.  Dorothy’s love for LeRoy shined through all their stages of life from raising a family and managing the family farm to enjoying an active retirement, they treasured their 69 years of blessed marriage.  Their marriage was a true partnership and an inspiration to all around them.   She modeled the value of standing firm on important issues and that compromise is needed in any partnership.

Dorothy deeply loved God, her family and friends.  Her faith motivated her to live life to its fullest extent.  Dorothy enjoyed many hobbies and activities.  She was an active member and leader in Dorcas Guild, AAL, Sunday school and VBS.  Music made Dorothy smile and she encouraged all to find their way to enjoy and participate.  As a 4-H leader she was always a champion to her children.  Volunteering came naturally to her and she enjoyed making banners, taking the church tape to the nursing home and making sure the church library was well stocked.  In the early years of retirement, Dorothy and LeRoy enjoyed traveling and visiting family. Her favorite role was that of Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.  Dorothy taught her children and grandchildren many things when they expressed interest…including how to make a delicious meal including a good cup of coffee, sew a special outfit, and bake bread and sweets.   For all extended family and friends, Dorothy took pride in individuals achieving their best and following their dreams.   She was known as a kind and good listener, an excellent advisor and always encouraged each person to follow their heart.

Dorothy shared with others her strong belief in the Lord and the importance of setting and following traditions.  Holidays were always special and included attending church and family time.   There were many stories, games and laughter shared.   Dorothy loved telling the family story and made it interesting and relevant to the audience.  She helped others truly value the past, present and dream big for the future.

Through her words and actions, Dorothy taught all around her the value of being kind, the importance of family, the reality that hard work is required to achieve goals and most importantly, to love and respect people and the Lord.  In her words and actions, Dorothy shared with all around her that it was special to be married to her lifetime love, LeRoy.  Together they would always remind their family to take time for your children as they grow up too fast and that family time is the best time.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters: Bonita Carlson (Jon Thorstenson) of Chaska, Rosemary Schliep (Darrell Strain) of Rochester, LuAnn (Scott) Stroupe of Oak Grove, and Karalyn (Brian) Sartor of Shoreview; daughter-in-law, Denise Schliep of Holloway; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy in 2016; son, David in 2015; parents, Walter and Ida Bartz; parents-in-law, William and Anna Schliep; sister, Rose (Herman) Trager; brothers: Wilfred Stock, Raymond (Norma) Stock, and Willie (Marjorie) Stock; sisters-in-law: Hertha (William) Haben, Mildred (Alfred) Sachs, Elfrieda (William) Hamann, Mabel (Walter) Munsterman, and Gertrude Schliep; brother-in-law, Arthur (Mae) Schliep.  Blessed be the memory of Dorothy Schliep.