Dorothy Loraine Schledewitz was born on November 10, 1926 near Froid, Montana to Jacob and Marie Brese Damm. The family lived in a German settlement. When Dorothy was about 2 1/2 years old her father passed away. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Alvin Smith. Dorothy attended the Froid Public Schools. She married Dave Schledewitz on November 9, 1946 at the Froid Lutheran Church. They farmed north of Culbertson for a few years and then moved to Culbertson where she was a waitress at a restaurant. In 1959 she went to work for the telephone company as a telephone operator until the company installed dial tone in 1964 and the office was closed. She then worked in various jobs until January 1967 when the family moved to Townsend Montana. Dorothy worked to get her GED and then went to work once again for the telephone company as an operator. She retired from U S WEST with 28 years of service. For the next 16 winters Dave and Dorothy enjoyed their winters in Yuma AZ. They enjoyed the warm weather and made many lasting friendships. A Saturday night dance was often enjoyed. Dave and Dorothy enjoyed traveling with their motorhome and also took several bus tours across the US. They enjoyed two trips to Germany to visit Arliss and her family and a trip to Hawaii. Dorothy was an excellent seamstress and made most of her daughters clothes throughout the years. She also was an avid quilter and many friends and family members where honored to receive one of her quilts or table runners as a gift. She also enjoyed hardanger embroidery and made beautiful doilies and wall hangings. Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family. Her grand kids have many fond memories of her baking and cooking their favorite dishes. She also enjoyed a good card game of wist and the coffee pot was always on.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Dave of 67 years, son Clyde (Carol) of East Helena, Sheryl (Clayton McElravy) of Townsend and Arliss (Dave Sakos) of Rapid City, SD. She is also survived by grandson Travis (Rhonda) Schledewitz of Helena, Kris (Shane Schmaus) of Montana City, Keirstin Bristow of Fargo ND and Michelle (Greg Scott) of Helena. Great grandchildren Jayme, Adam, Kaylee, Alayna, Ava, Joshua. Also her brother Harold Damm of Thermopolis WY and sister Alyce Arion of Plentywood MT and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents and stepfather and her two brothers Alfred and Robert Smith.
Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with a family and friends service following at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave, Helena. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the funeral home in the banquet hall. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dorothy.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Friday February 14, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial
2 p.m.
Friday February 14, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Friday February 14, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial
2 p.m.
Friday February 14, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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Linda Cobban & Family says
Sorry to hear about the loss of Dorthy. She will be dearly missed. May time and prayer heal your hearts. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
Allan and Judy Davies says
Our deepest sympathy to all Dorothy’s family. We know you will miss her so much.
You are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bonnie Isaak says
Cheryl and family.
I was so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was alot of fun to work with. I rember the Lutefisk. . She was always proud of her kids and grandkids. I know you will miss her terribly. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Jo Carol (Hippe) Burrington says
My condolences to Dorothy and her family. Dorothy was older than me, however, I grew up in Froid also and knew all of her family well, & her sister Alice was in my class . Jo Carol (Hippe) Burrington, Helena, Mt.