Dorothy C. Christie

With her genuine personality, her warm smile, and her unconditional acceptance of all who were near, Dorothy Christie was a true blessing. She was never one to concern herself with building wealth or accumulating possessions, rather, she made it her mission to fully embrace the moments she was given while holding her friends and loved ones near. A more devoted wife and mother would be hard to find, but Dorothy just may have argued that it was her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother that were her richest reward. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, she created a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish. It seems only fitting that Dorothy's journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the Roaring Twenties when jazz music, the Charleston, and motion pictures in both color and sound were among the latest advancements while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. It was in 1927 that Custer and Myrtle (Peterson) Munson were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the beauty of spring unfolded in Hendricks, Minnesota. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Dorothy Caroline drew her first breath. She was one of ten children in her family, and she was raised alongside her two brothers and her seven sisters. While still a young girl, Dorothy moved to Winona with her family. As the Great Depression blanketed the nation throughout the 1930s, the Munsons were no strangers to the struggles of the time. Dorothy did her part by leaving school during the eighth grade to work for Schueller Candy and Bolands in Winona to help support the family, earning just $.25 cents an hour. New and exciting changes were in store for Dorothy when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Dick Christie, and they were introduced through a friend. Although they were drawn to one another, he was soon sent off to serve as an MP in Japan during WWII. While he was gone, the sweethearts corresponded through letters, falling deeply in love with one another. With a desire to establish a life together, Dorothy and Dick were united in marriage after he returned on June 26, 1948, at the Faith Lutheran parsonage in Winona. For the rest of her life she always viewed her wedding day to be the best day of her life. The newlyweds made their home near Clyde where they farmed until moving in to St. Charles in 1988. Together they also raised their five children including their two sets of twins, Carol and Connie, and Gary and Lance, in addition to their daughter, Peggy, who came later. As mothers go, Dorothy was second to none, and she was fully devoted to caring for her family. She rarely had a stern word as a mother, but her children always knew when they were in trouble as she was famous for saying, "Wait until your Dad gets home!" Dorothy's skills in the kitchen were amazing, which her family greatly appreciated, and among her most famous dishes were her trademark baked beans and lefse, as well as her minced meat with ground venison. On December 19, 2010, Dorothy was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband. A longtime resident of her community, Dorothy was one to keep busy. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, and she also belonged to the Royal Neighbors as well as the Order of the Eastern Star. For years Dorothy worked on the egg cracking machine at Home Produce. Over the years they traveled to Montana several times to visit relatives - first as a family trip with the kids and later on their own. Around home Dorothy enjoyed cooking, embroidery, gardening, and quilting. She forever had a special place in her heart for kids, and she especially loved holding babies. While suffering with dementia during her later years, Dorothy found comfort in holding and caring for life-sized dolls, which shows that she truly was born with a mother's heart. All who knew Dorothy Christie would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was hardworking in everything she did, yet she also made the time to relax and enjoy life along the way. It was easy to see that Dorothy's greatest joy was found in the loved ones she shared with the love of her life, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. She was known for saying things like, "Why yes," and "Well of course," as she had a fun-loving personality and a certain sparkle in her eye that was all her own. Life will never be the same without Dorothy here, but her timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. Dorothy C. Christie, of St. Charles, died Friday morning, May 1st at Cottagewood Senior Living in Rochester. Dorothy's family includes her five children, Carol (Cletus) Bullerman and Connie (John) Ludwig of Elma, IA, Gary (Diane) Christie of Rochester, Lance (Bonnie) Christie of Utica, and Peggy (Tom) Larson of Elba; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and brother, Roger Munson of Winona. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, one brother; and seven sisters. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles with the Reverend Tim Gerarden officiating. Burial will follow in Saratoga Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8PM Monday and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. A reception will follow services at the funeral home on Tuesday. Please share a memory of Dorothy at her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Drive SW, Rochester, MN, 55902. Pallbearers will be Dorothy's grandsons; Kyle Bullerman, Daniel Christie, Michael Christie, Darrin Ludwig, Jason Ludwig, Leif Larson and Erik Larson.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/592673