Dorothy McMeen

Funeral Services for Dorothy McMeen, 96, of Gregory, SD were held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. A prayer service was held Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home

Music was provided by Geoff Smith, vocalist, accompanied by Helen Smith, pianist. Stephanie Pochop was in charge of registration. Francie Johnson and Jonalu Studenberg were in charge of flowers.

Casket bearers were Loren Reetz, Tim McMeen, Andy Kyle, Chris Hatch, Vince Berens, and Marvin Gies. Honorary pallbearers were John Greer, John Pak, and Jason Kriegel. Interment was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory.

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Dorothy Ardell McMeen was born January 6, 1916, at Parker, SD, the second child of Lewis and Julia Erickson. This home provided her with a Christian foundation which she exemplified throughout her life.

The family moved to Mitchell, SD when Dorothy was three years old. Her father was employed as a United States postal clerk there for 38 years. A younger brother was born during their time in Mitchell.

Dorothy had all of her formal schooling in Mitchell. She graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1935 and received her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in the White River public school system and later taught in the Gregory Public School system. While teaching she met Dr. Delbert McMeen and they were married on July 17, 1938.

Dorothy was baptized into the Presbyterian faith and became a member of that church. When she moved to Gregory, she had her membership transferred to the United Methodist Church. Dorothy was an active member in the church serving as the chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Worship Committee and was also a member of the Memorial Committee. Dorothy taught Sunday School and directed the children's choir. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Esther Circle. She was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and a 60 year member of the Gregory P.E.O. Chapter Z.

Devotion to her family was a priority and family togetherness were cherished times. She loved music and sports and enjoyed working in her flower garden.
Memorable times were fishing with her husband Delbert, and flying in their airplane.

Dorothy passed away on February 8, 2012 at the age of 96 years.

She is survived by her daughter Helen Smith of Edina, MN - her son James and wife Linda of New Hope, MN - and her son Lewis and wife Barbara of Amana, IA and by her brother Donald Erickson of Mitchell, SD and by six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Delbert, a son-in-law Richard Smith and a brother Robert Erickson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials may be sent to Silver Threads Assisted Living in Gregory, SD.