Dorothy "Dots" Mae Walter

Dorothy “Dots” Mae Walter, age 83, of Austin, Minnesota, went home to join God and her beloved Bernie on May 12, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Mason City, Iowa on May 31, 1940, to Nyles and Katherine (Rothamel) Van Hooser, Dorothy grew up in rural Austin.  She grew up on the family farm and would graduate from Glenville High School.  It was on the family farm that she would meet and fall in love with the farm hand- Bernard Walter.  They would go on to be united in marriage on March 31, 1959, and spend the next 63 years together building a life on love.

Farmer (Bernie) and Dots would settle on a farm outside of Lyle, Minnesota where they would raise their six children. Dorothy spent most of her time in the garden, cooking, chasing after her children and watching them play in sports.  She was known to say, “I’d rather leave my house a mess, so I can spend time with my friends drinking coffee.”  Dorothy loved spending time with her family and friends, and boy did she have a lot- she made friends everywhere she went. She had many different jobs but her most fulfilling was SEMCAC where she provided meals and social time for many elderly residents in Lyle.

Dorothy’s husband suffered a life-altering stroke in 1996, and after that she dedicated the rest of her life to being his caretaker.  Through his strength and her unwavering support and faith, they overcame and would go on to live an incredible life for the next 26 years together. During their retirement years, Bernie and Dots would spend their time “snowbirding” in Mesa, AZ, where of course Dorothy made so many new friends that would become like family.  She also never missed a chance to cheer for any Minnesota Sports teams- especially the Vikings and Twins, or her favorite pastime, watching her grandchildren play sports.  She never missed an opportunity to let the referees know when they weren’t making the right calls.

Dorothy devoted her life to her faith, family and friends, and lived life as an example of how God intends us to love one another.  As a devout Catholic, she was never known to be without a rosary, and if you needed prayers she was quick to offer them up while she lit her Holy candle.  Her family humbly prays that God will grant her soul well-deserved peace in his kingdom after a lifetime of service.   Dorothy lived for those she loved, and those she loved will always remember her.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Paul (Ann) Walter of Lyle, Leanne Morris of Austin, Teresa (Joe) Bartholomew of Austin, Kathleen (Shawn) Davis of Lyle, and Brad (Tara) Walter of Lyle; son-in-law, Mike Schubert of Brownsdale; her grandchildren, Kristin, Jeremy, Angela, Justin, Brandon, Kayla, Brittany, Breanna, Courtney, Brooke, Cole and Bentley; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Joe (Ruth) Van Hooser of Austin; and countless more family and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernard in 2022; daughter, Cynthia Schubert, son-in-law, Randy Morris; parents, Nyles and Kate (Rothamel) Van Hooser; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Vern Meyerhofer; and father and mother-in-law, Russel and Rose (Heimer) Walter.

Dorothy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the teams of the Austin emergency department, St. Mary’s ICU, and the hospice staff that made her return home possible.  Also, the deepest gratitude to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Kathy, Shawn, and “B” Davis for opening your home to her the last year and a half- you made the rest of her time with us incredible.  The thanks for the care provided, the love shown, and the countless Chinese buffet trips is immeasurable, and we know she enjoyed her extra time with you all.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with a rosary service beginning at 4:30 p.m. The visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.