Dorothy Ollendieck, 79

Dec. 26, 1942 —

Dec. 19, 2022

 

CRESCO - Dorothy Evelyn Ollendieck, age 79, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, on Dec. 19, 2022. 

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022 at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco. Burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled arrangements. 

Dorothy was born in Calmar, Iowa on Dec. 26, 1942 to Raymond and Bessie Hanson. She was the youngest of three children who were all raised in Calmar. Following high school, she went on to earn her beauty license.

Dorothy would often go dancing at Matter’s Ballroom, where she met Charles Francis Ollendieck. They married on June 29, 1964 in Cresco. To this union three children were born. Dorothy worked as a beautician until their oldest child was born. 

Of everything in her life, her children made her the proudest. Her oldest daughter, Melanie was a linguist/teacher. Her son became a medical doctor. And her youngest daughter was an Air Force Chaplain, which led her to earn her doctorate in leadership with an emphasis in coaching. 

Dorothy enjoyed traveling, gardening and seeing her grandchildren grow up. 

She found great enjoyment in taking care of her animals, talking on the phone and writing postcards. She was known for her lovely penmanship. 

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Charles; a son, Dr. Michael (Natasha) Ollendieck; a daughter, Dr./Rev./Chaplain/Coach Melissa L. (Richard) Ollendieck; a son-in-law, Binh; and four grandchildren, Sophia, Isabella, Andrei and Brittany.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Melanie; a brother, Donald; and a sister, Diane.

Memorials may be directed to Cleaning for a Reason in Dorothy’s honor.