Dorothy I Isdahl

Dorothy Irene Isdahl, age 85 of Mankato, passed away Friday, April 16, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Jay Dahlvang officiating. Burial will be at Solomon Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery near Willmar, MN. Visitation will be held from 4 " 7 p.m., Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

Dorothy was born in 1924 to John and Josephine (Sletten) Solmonson in Willmar, Minnesota. She graduated from Willmar High School and began her career in the auditing department of Cargill. She was united in marriage to Robert Arnold Isdahl on September 30, 1950 in Willmar. Dorothy was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed being a member of the library board, working with Vacation Bible School, and volunteering on many humanitarian projects, most recently a water-well in Tanzania.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed many types of music, rosemaling, gardening, and playing bridge. Along with her husband Robert, Dorothy introduced her children to the wonders of the western US during many family camping trips to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. She also loved studying theology and discussing faith with her close friends.

She instilled in her children and grandchildren an appreciation for the blessings in their lives and a deep awareness for the disparities in our world. Her warm, compassionate, and adventurous spirit took her around the globe where she experienced different cultures and forged lasting friendships. Her grandchildren will never forget the trip to Norway in 2002 where they had the opportunity to discover their ancestors' homeland. Dedicated to improving the lives of others, she generously donated her time and energy to numerous non-profit endeavors, including livestock projects in Africa, education initiatives in Japan, and Habitat for Humanity programs in the US.

Dorothy published an article in Lutheran Woman Today about "Living Boldly" and led by the same example. She encouraged those around her to accept and celebrate the differences that make us unique and special. For this her children and grandchildren are especially grateful and proud. Undeterred by her illness and driven by her worldly curiosity, Dorothy traveled to London last summer with her family, where she attended services at Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert; three children, Connie Jo (Melvin) King of Clark, Wyoming, Robert John Isdahl of Bozeman, Montana, Barbara Ann (Roger) Martens of Missoula, Montana; four grandchildren, Hilary and Emily Martens, Anneke and Peter Isdahl; step-granddaughter, Erin King; brother, Stanley (Gladys) Solmonson of Lacey, Washington; sister, Carolyn Norquist of Brainerd, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harlan, Earl, and John; sister, Beatrice; and daughter-in-law, Lore Isdahl.

Memorials may be given to the Sima water-well in Tanzania in care of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Bethlehem Library, the American Cancer Society or donor's choice.