Dorothy Helena Kemper

Dorothy Kemper, of Barnesville, MN died on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Elim Nursing Home in Fargo, ND.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville with Father Todd Arends presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM, at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to Mass on Wednesday at the church. 

 Dorothy Helena Derichs was born on June 23, 1940 in Elrosa, MN to John and Mary (Stang) Derichs.  She grew up and attended school in Elrosa.  Growing up on the family dairy farm, she learned the value of hard work.   As a young woman she also worked as a nanny and at the grocery store.  

She met Ray Kemper through Dorothy’s brother at a dance.  They were married on September 27, 1960 in Elrosa, MN.  They started out their married life in Little Falls, MN for a year and then moved to Barnesville in 1962 where they remained and raised their family.  For many years, she was able to stay at home and raise her family.  As the kids grew, she was a helper at the Assumption School kitchen.  She also worked at the Barnesville Care Center for over 20 years in the kitchen as a cook.  

Dorothy was active member of Assumption Catholic Church, the St. Mary’s Guild, and the VFW Auxiliary.  Her hobbies include celebrating with the Birthday Club, baking and later sharing her talents with her granddaughters, and playing cards.  She always had a freezer full of goodies to be shared.  Her greatest joy was when all of the family could come home and be together.  

 Dorothy is survived by four children:  Mike (Char) Kemper, Patty (Ed) Gilbertson, Mark (Tonya) Kemper and Mary Jo (Steve Granger) Valnes; 9 grandchildren: Christopher Kemper, Cory (Sarah) Gilbertson, Becky (Mark) Torkelson, Justin Gilbertson, Josh (Marney) Kemper, Katie Kemper, Nick (Marissa) Kemper, Gage (Bresha) Graber, Taylor (Emily) Valnes, and Tanner (Carissa) Valnes; 18 great grandchildren, sister in law Rhea “Cookie” Derichs, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband in 2018, her parents, and a granddaughter Danielle Rae Valnes, siblings: Gilbert, Ralph, Jerome, Harold, Roman, Bob, Julia, Marion, Lorraine, Rosie, and Agnes.