Dorothy M. Martin (nee Hendrickson) passed away peacefully at home in Red Wing, MN on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 63 years, Don, and beloved son Randall. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love for her family; her children Diane, Tom, Amy, Elizabeth (Steve), Kate (Rick), Don (Lisa), and Steve (Jeannie), grandchildren Amber, Matt, Blanca, JoAnne (Patrick), Christine, Oslo, Cyrus, Makaila and Annika, and great-grandson Oliver. Dorothy will also be deeply missed by her siblings, relatives, friends, and all the people whose lives she touched with her kindness and care.

Dorothy was born on February 28, 1933 in St. Paul, MN, where she spent her early childhood surrounded by Irish and Norwegian grandparents, aunts, and uncles before moving to Henderson, MN. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1951, after which she attended St. Catherine’s College studying French and Chemistry. She started working at 3M before completing her degree, preferring her job to life as a student. In 1956 she married Don and moved to North Dakota for the first years of their marriage. After many moves and eight children, Dorothy and Don settled in Somerset, WI where they created a wonderful family home for over 40 years. 

Dorothy loved learning and was admired for her keen intellect. In her 40s, with a houseful of teenagers, Dorothy decided to finish her college degree and earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Teaching from UW-River Falls. She was a great conversationalist and excelled at welcoming new people to the family. Dorothy expressed her love quietly and with acceptance. She was known for her enjoyment of crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, and the MN Twins, as well as her love of reading, catching up with family, attending birthday and holiday gatherings, and spending time with children.   

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center (3712 Layton Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042) on Friday, October 25th from 10:30 to 1:30, with a short program at 11:00 and lunch at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to FINCA International, Doctors without Borders, or Feed My Starving Children.