Dorothy Carol Becker

Dorothy Carol Becker, 93, of Mankato, died Thursday at Pathstone Living after spending Christmas with her family. Born to Rosetta (Gosch) and John Rabenberg at their home near Glenham, South Dakota, she graduated in 1943, and after a short course in teaching, taught 1943-1948 in rural one room schools.

Dorothy married Robert Becker in 1948, living in Mobridge and working at her father-in-law’s bakery, then moved with her husband as he pursued degrees in chemistry before moving to Mankato. Dorothy attended MSU, achieving a degree in library science in 1967, and worked for many years as librarian at the North Mankato Public Library.

Here on earth, Dorothy loved her Lord Jesus and for 16 years was the lower grades Sunday School Superintendent at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in lower North Mankato, a welcoming presence for hundreds of children over the years.

In retirement Dorothy enjoyed Red Hats, a Gardening Club, bead work, bridge, bingo, or any opportunity to get together with people. Church has always been a wonderful opportunity for her to connect with others, and Dorothy knew the importance of the Truth taught there.

Preceded in death by her husband Robert, siblings Donald and Ella Frey, and in-laws Arlene Rabenberg and Paul Arndt,  Dorothy is survived by children Denis (Barbara) and Bonnie Horner, siblings Laila Arndt, Barbara (Donald) Giese, John (Helen) Rabenberg, Marie (Bill) Tucker, Ted (Marvie) Rabenberg, grandchildren Joe, Nate, Jesse (Kristan) Becker, Kristin (Kody) Green and Stacy and Paul (Laura) Horner, as well as great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Mankato on Wednesday, January 2 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials are preferred to Risen Savior Lutheran School or Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.