Dorothy May Lundgren

Dorothy May Lundgren, 93, of Clear Lake, passed away on Oct. 17, 2023, at Manly Specialty Care.  

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Oct. 23, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with Lay Pastor Al Berge, officiating.  Burial was held in the Clear Lake Cemetery.  

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Women’s Ministry of Zion Lutheran Church, which was a huge part of Dorothy’s life.

Dorothy was born on May 21, 1930, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Emil and Jean (Pedelty) Jass.  She attended Mason City High School, graduating in 1948.  On July 2, 1948, Dorothy married Carl “Dick” Lundgren.  Together, they raised two sons, Kenny and Bill.  The couple farmed for many years in the North Iowa area before moving to Clear Lake.  At this time, Dorothy went to work for AC Nielsens where she was employed for 20 years, prior to working at Commercial Federal Bank for nine years.  Following retirement, she volunteered at Zion Lutheran Church, serving in a number of capacities, including treasurer of Zion Women.  Dorothy had a servant’s heart and cherished her time at the church.  She also enjoyed gathering with her “Nielsen friends” monthly for many years beyond their tenure.

Dorothy had a great love of reading when her eyesight would allow, was very creative with ceramics, of which her family now has many treasures. She was an avid gardener, with the most beautiful flower gardens in her front yard for passersby to enjoy.  Bird watching while sitting on her bench outside or in her recliner was a favorite pastime, and those birds ate well when she was able to keep up on feeding them!  In her later less active years, she enjoyed watching game shows and sports, cheering for the favorite teams of all of her family members.  Dorothy was fiercely independent, very strong willed, and refused to give into age until she was well into her 80s, much to her family’s behest.  This included working at Zion, and her family always got a kick out of her referencing the “old ladies” of her circle.  

Those left to cherish her memories include her son, Kenny (Randa) of Fertile, daughter-in-law, Kim Lundgren of Ventura; grandchildren, Shelley (Stacey) Shipman, Holly Lundgren, Tyler Lundgren, and Kyle Lundgren; great grandchildren, Kayla (Tyler) Seuferer, Maggie (Casey) Dollison, Colton Shipman, and Clay Byom; and great-great-grandchildren, Jayna and Brynn Dollison, Easton Seuferer, and another great-great-granddaughter due in December; sisters, Mildred Priem and Janette Jass; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dorothy (little “d”) was preceded in death by her husband, Dick (big “D”); her son, Bill; her parents; Dick’s parents and siblings; brother, Carl (Shirley); brothers-in-law, Arthur “Bud” Lundgren and Raymond Priem; sister-in-law, Anna Mae Johnson; as well as many other beloved family members.  

A special thank you to Hope Circle, Dorothy’s long-time circle, for serving at Zion.

Ward-Van Slyke was in charge of arrangements.