Service: A Memorial Prayer Service will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA on Sunday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m. No flowers please. Dorothy asked that Memorials be directed to the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa, 607 28th St, Milford, IA 51351 or a charity of your choice.
Dorothy Jane Swenson (Tuntland), Spirit Lake IA, passed away January 17, 2020 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls SD. She was born in that same hospital on March 3, 1944. Dorothy received her education at Canton High school and the University of Sioux Falls. She taught elementary students in Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Clearwater, Florida. From 1982-2004 she taught first grade in Terril, Iowa. After she retired Dorothy especially enjoyed helping with activities at her church and preschool; feeding all the birds and small animals in her yard, and going for walks with Pearl, her special dog pal. Although Dorothy had no children of her own, she loved keeping in touch with former students, and her nieces and nephews. She was Godmother to nieces Stella Tuntland, Andra & Jacque Huiner, and friend Jenny Hoffman.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Marcella Tuntland of Beresford, SD and special friends, Cathy and Wayne Hoffman of Motley, MN. Dorothy suffered from a number of very serious health issues that slowed her down this past decade. She never complained about her lot in life or how it had affected her. She did, however, often talk about how much she appreciated the help, support, patience and love she received from her friends, neighbors, colleagues, business and church connections in and around the Spirit Lake area. Thank you from all of her family.
She is survived by her brother Paul (Kathie Fox) Tuntland of Brookings and their children Dereck (Katie Medema), Jacqueline Huiner, and Brock Tuntland; and brother David (Linda Rogness) Tuntland, and their children – Jarrod, Jordan, and Justin Tuntland, Canton SD. She will be missed by many in this area, as well as her family and her adopted family- Julie, Jenny, and Justin Hoffman, Motley MN.
A Memorial Prayer Service will be held at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Spirit Lake, IA on Sunday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m. Memories or messages may also be sent to Anderson Funeral Home in Canton SD. No flowers please. Dorothy asked that Memorials be directed to the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa, 607 28th St, Milford, IA 51351 or a charity of your choice.
We loved you, Dorothy, and cherished the times we had with you. We will miss you and think of you so often, but would never wish you back from Heaven! What a blessing and a thrill it must be to walk with Jesus and be reunited with family! Our sympathy, thoughts, prayers, and love go out to all of Dorothy’s family. God bless you with good memories!
We loved you so much Dorothy and cherished our times together. We will miss you so much, but would never wish you back from Heaven! What a blessing and a thrill to walk with Jesus and connect with family who have gone on before! Our sympathy, thoughts, prayers, and love go out to all of Dorothy’s family. May God bless and comfort you with good memories.
So sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was a good friend even though we lived a long ways apart. I met Dorothy in 1962, our freshman year at SDSU. I know how she loved animals and donated many hours to tending them. I will make a donation in her memory. Rohanda Victorsen.
So sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing, always enjoyed working with Dorothy,our condolences to all the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I was blessed to teach with her in Terril and what a great person she was to work with, especially for a new teacher. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.