Dorothy Helen McDowell — Spring Valley

Dorothy Helen McDowell, 92, of Spring Valley, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014, at Spring Valley Care Center.

Dorothy was born Aug. 7, 1921, at Chester, to Mae and John Hoyer. She attended country school through the eighth grade. She was employed at Holland's Cafeteria at Rochester and later at Saint Marys Hospital in the dietary department until 1941.On July 28, 1941, she married George McDowell of Preston. They made their home in Preston until 1958 at which time they moved to Spring Valley. Dorothy returned to work at Saint Marys Hospital in 1965, retiring Sept. 1984.

Dorothy enjoyed family gatherings , traveling and neighborhood coffee parties. She loved cooking and entertaining. She had the opportunity during her married life to travel to many states also to Canada and Mexico. There were also many fishing trips to northern Minnesota.

Survivors are two daughters, Carol Jean Kohn of Spring Valley and Penny Jo Long of Rochester; three granddaughters, Kim (Ron) Kappers, Jennifer (Brian) Niemeyers and Bobbie Jo (Paul) Bork; and three great-grandchildren, John, Nickolas and Morgan.Dorothy was also survived by two sisters, Ella Mae (Hoyer) Dahle and Caroline (Hoyer) Mahoney; and her special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, George McDowell, and her parents, three brothers, Richard, John and Dave Hoyer, also one son-in-law, Wendell Kohn.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the River Park Chapel of the Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. also at the River Park Chapel, with the Rev. Laura Fladten officiating. Friend may call one hour in advance of the service. Burial at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com .