Dorothy Kemmerick

Dorothy Marie (Wolf) Kemmerick, 92, of Austin, MN, died peacefully with family by her side on Friday, October 25, 2019, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. Dorothy was born August 23, 1927, on the family farm in Meyer, IA to Edward and Regina (Hemann) Wolf. She attended Sacred Heart School and later did housekeeping and childcare for local families. At age 18 she met the love of her life, Joseph William Kemmerick. They were married on October 30, 1946 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer. Together they raised seven children on a farm south of Austin, where they lived for 46 years. Dorothy was active in the Rosary Society and sang in the choir at Queen of Peace Church in Lyle, MN. Her deep faith brought her comfort. Dorothy was a kind, devoted, loving wife and mother who always put her family’s needs first. She loved to garden and grow beautiful flowers. Dorothy fed her family all year with the vegetables she raised, fruits she canned, and jams she made. She was known for her delicious homemade breads and pies. There were always sweet treats for the family. In 1996, Joe and Dorothy moved to Austin where they continued to garden. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, especially in the quilt room. Reading, embroidering and quilting were favorite pastimes. As each of her grandchildren and great- grandchildren came into the world, they were greeted with one of Dorothy’s beautiful homemade baby quilts. Her sharp mind served her well in her passion for playing cards. Above all she loved spending time with family. Her friends say she was a blessed soul, a joy in their lives, a dear friend. She is survived by six children: Norma Holmes, Exton, PA, Ryan (Patricia), Rochester, MN, Randy (Judy), Seymour, MO, Sheila (Tom) Brownlow, Rochester, MN, Brenda Kemmerick, Minneapolis, MN, Susan (William) Horner, Spring, TX; daughter-in-law, Joan Kemmerick, Austin, MN; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, Christopher (Amy) Holmes and Tyler, Zachary, Andrew, Jennifer Holmes and Rome, Sarah Holmes, Kate (Michael) Poterucha and Emily, Paige, Sarah (Michael) Boyd and Grant; Adam (Breanna) Kemmerick and Mason, Finley, Brody; Sean (Jenni) Brownlow and Cole, Elayna, Avery, Michael (Abbie) Brownlow and Ellie; Kristen Brownlow; brothers, Robert (Geraldine), Joseph (Marian), Edward (June); sisters, Kathleen Wigham, Julie (Mike) Goodman; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Joseph, 2018; son, Mark, August, 2019; granddaughter, Ann, 1989; parents; sister, Mildred; brothers, Raymond, Clement, and infant brother, Clarence. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 2 pm on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. There will be a 7 pm wake service on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-7 pm, and also one hour before the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Tuesday, October 29 2019
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Wednesday, October 30 2019
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Service

Wednesday, October 30 2019
2:00 PM

St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912