Dorothy McKenney

July 28, 1932 - April 22, 2021

Visitation: Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. 

Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m.  on Thursday, April 29 at Canton Lutheran Church

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     Dorothy A. McKenney, age 88, died Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m.  on Thursday, April 29 at Canton Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.

          Dorothy was born on July 28, 1932 near Canton, SD to Martin and Gertie (Studstahl) Severson.  She graduated from Canton High School in 1950.  She met her future husband, Lawrence McKenney, at the roller rink.  They were married on December 22, 1952 in Canton, SD.  The couple lived in Sioux Falls before moving to a farm near Inwood, IA.

          In addition to raising her family, Dorothy worked at Red Owl Grocery, Raven Industries, and A&R.  In her younger years, she delivered the Sioux Valley News and was active in roller dancing competitions.  She was famous for her cooking, especially her pies, and enjoyed bowling, crocheting, and playing cards.  She loved her family and treasured time spent spoiling her grandchildren.  She was a long-time member of Canton Lutheran Church and a former member of the VFW Auxiliary.

          She is survived by her children, Kathy (Sherm) Gardner, Canton, SD, Larry Jr. McKenney, Deb (Sam) Kroger, Randy (Lisa) McKenney, all of Inwood, IA, and Ronnie (Jill) McKenney, Canton, SD; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; brother, Paul (Karen) Severson, Canton, SD; sister-in-law, Evelyn Severson, Platte, SD;  special friend Harold Simunek; along with numerous extended relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Mavis Fossum; and brothers, Donald and Gordon Severson.

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22 messages have been left

  1. Sandra Roseland on April 24, 2021 said:

    Heaven has gained another angel, my prayers to the family.

  2. Bev Arp on April 24, 2021 said:

    So sorry for your loss. I remember her working at A & R. Very gracious lady.

  3. Kurt Tommeraasen on April 24, 2021 said:

    So sorry for your loss. She will be missed but not forgotten in our hearts.

  4. Dean and Vi Holman on April 25, 2021 said:

    What a sweet lady. She was a gentle kind soul. Our sympathy goes out to your family.

  5. Liz Ofstad on April 25, 2021 said:

    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Dorothy was always very nice to me and always smiling. God bless you during this difficult time.

  6. Diane VanRooyen on April 25, 2021 said:

    Kathy, so sorry for your loss . Hold sweet memories in your heart , it’s hard to lose a mother. Thinking of you with love and prayers .

  7. Tami Rikansrud on April 25, 2021 said:

    I’m sorry for your loss. I sure remember her from A&R.

  8. Mary Romereim on April 25, 2021 said:

    You all have our sympathies. She was a wonderful woman and had a beautiful smile.

  9. Dort on April 25, 2021 said:

    As a child I remember going with my parents “up into the hills” to visit Uncle Wayne and Aunt Cecilia and your parents were usually there. We visited, played pinochle, and had lunch. My mom and Dolores always enjoyed playing pinochle with Dorothy and Harold every other Saturday night. Many times I walked down the street and Dorothy and Harold would be sitting in the garage and had lots of visits talking about the “good old days”. The name Dorothy means “gift of God” and that was so true of your mom. Condolences to you and your family.

  10. Dort on April 25, 2021 said:

    As a child I remember going with my parents “up into the hills” to visit Uncle Wayne and Aunt Cecilia and your parents were usually there. We visited, played pinochle, and had lunch. My mom and Dolores always enjoyed playing pinochle with Dorothy and Harold every other Saturday night. Many times I walked down the street and Dorothy and Harold would be sitting in the garage and had lots of visits talking about the “good old days”. The name Dorothy means “gift of God” and that was so true of your mom. Condolences to you and your family.

  11. Lynn Vaksdal on April 25, 2021 said:

    Kathy and Family :
    I’m so sorry to hear about Your Mom .. She was amazing lady always enjoy taking to Dorothy …Sending our Condolences Lynn V

  12. Margaret Schultz on April 25, 2021 said:

    Our love and sympathy to Dorothy’s family. She was a truly sweet, friendly and kind woman. She always had a smile for everyone. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

  13. Donna loomans on April 25, 2021 said:

    Sending our sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come.
    Ross and Donna Loomans

  14. Mary T Brinkman on April 26, 2021 said:

    So sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing she was one special lady our thoughts and prayers are with your family!!

  15. Debbie Raymond on April 26, 2021 said:

    Kathy and everyone, I remember your mom from our bowling trips. Seems so long ago! Dorothy will be remembered for how friendly and fun she was!!

  16. Jane Roe Cooper on April 26, 2021 said:

    Deb, I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You were so kind to my mother, Barb Roe, in Inwood. Please know that I’m saddened to hear that you have now lost your mom, too..

  17. Merlynn and Gloria Johnson on April 27, 2021 said:

    Sending prayers and sympathy to Dorothy’s family. She was a very sweet lady. I remember her always having a big smile and a nice word for everyone.

  18. Cornie & Gert Folkerts on April 27, 2021 said:

    To Dorothy’s family – Cornie & I are so sorry for your loss. She was an absolute gem, and we feel privileged to have known her as a friend. No matter what, she would give us her genuine smile and be ready to visit awhile. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers as you have her memorial service today. May our Lord’s presence give you comfort and peace!!

  19. Jerry and Kathy Keiser on April 27, 2021 said:

    Our sincere sympathy to Dorothy’s family–very wonderful lady and deeply cherished by many!! It’s very hard to lose a mom–all the memories and love will be held in your hearts always!!

  20. Jon Thorburn on April 28, 2021 said:

    My condolences to you all. May the Love and Peace of the Lord be with you all now and always.

  21. Deb Vrooman on April 28, 2021 said:

    So sorry for your loss … it’s never easy to lose someone you love, even when you know their time has come. Bless your families and know that she is at peace. I only had the opportunity to meet her a couple of times and visit with her. She was such a sweetheart! I’m sure she will be missed very much.

  22. Gloria (Breed) Peterson on April 29, 2021 said:

    My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. She was a special lady, remember her genuine smile and laughter. I also remember all the times our families got together and the fun we had . Wonderful memories!!