Dorothy J. (Goelz) Hopman

Peacefully and surrounded by her family Dorothy passed away on Thursday June 22, 2023 at the age of 92. With the help and support of Mayo Hospice her family was able to care for her at home.

She was born to Walter and Linda Goelz (Schlueter) on June 5th, 1931. Dorothy was confirmed on June 5th at St. Paul’s church in Cudahy, Wis. She attended Luther High School and Dr. Martin Luther College. Teaching kindergarten was her life-long passion. She touched the lives of many children by teaching them to count, read, sing and love Jesus. After retiring as a teacher from St. John’s rural Goodhue, she volunteered at St. John’s in Red Wing, MN.

Dorothy was an excellent baker. Her chocolate chip cookies were the BEST! She also loved to sew and made many outfits for her kids. She was a crafter as well and enjoyed beading on felt designs and making holiday stockings.

She was a member of St. John’s rural Goodhue for 35 years. She then became a member at St. John’s Red Wing. She was an active member of ladies’ aid, choir, local teacher groups and project group.

She had a beautiful alto voice and served as a soloist at many weddings, church events and in the choir. To the end she was singing her favorite hymn “Jesus Loves Me” with us. Dorothy’s love for Jesus and her faith were evident in the way she treated people, yet it was always in her work with children where it was most evident. Her legacy lives on in all of those she taught, including her children.

Dorothy leaves cherished and loving memories with her family:  Christine (John) Beckmann, Beth (Keith) Madsen, David Hopman, Linmarie Hopman, Sara (Brad) Ramthun and Heidi (Roy) Winstead. 15 grandchildren and: Katie (Neil) Gislason, Seth (Joelle) Beckmann, Derrick (Carrie) Madsen, Kari (Cory) Plafcan, Erin (Chad) Powers, Ryan (Amanda) Cataract, Hallie (Curtis) Skerston, Codi (Cassie) Cataract, Brady (Kate) Ramthun, Nate Ramthun, Taylor Ramthun, Ashley Arnold, Drayton Arnold, Lauren Arnold and Kaden Arnold; 17 great grandchildren  Kaylea, Zoe and Teagan Gislason, Skyleia and Jozilyn Beckmann, Piper and Keira Osborne, Nora Plafcan, Jacob and Tate Powers, Bryanna and Kadence Cataract, Brantley Cataract, Brayden and Gabe Skerston, Karcyn and Kameron Brock and her sister, Alice Danell.

She was proceeded in death by her husband James Dale Hopman and her daughter, Linda Marie Hopman. Her son-in-law, John Beckmann as well as her five sisters and one brother: Ethel Zess, Nancy Layman, Paula Harju, Robert Goelz, Laura Johnson, and Margaret Price.

We celebrate her life with a visitation at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel from 5-7 on Monday June 26th and one hour before a funeral service, beginning at 11 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Wing, MN. The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. John’s School Playground Fund or Mayo Hospice.

The family sends special thanks to the Mayo Hospice staff. With their guidance and care we were given the support and courage to allow Mom to stay at home in her last hours.

She will be missed by her family, friends and former co-workers. She left this life confident in knowing she was going to see her Lord and Savior, who said “well done thou good and faithful servant”.