Dorothy J. Wegner

Dorothy Wegner (Graves) was born on May 1, 1935, in Faribault, Minnesota. She passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on January 29, 2024.

Dorothy was baptized into the body of Christ on May 15, 1935. She grew up in Faribault with her sisters Marlyss, Marion, and Carol and her parents Irene and Freeman Graves. She spent happy days running everywhere and climbing trees. She was confirmed into the faith in April, 1949. She attended Trinity Lutheran School from kindergarten through 8^th grade. She graduated from Faribault High School after enjoying playing in the percussion section in the band.

Dorothy attended Concordia College (now University) from 1953 to 1955. She attained certification as a Lutheran school teacher and was one of the first female graduates from that institution. Dr. Poehler was one of her favorite professors because of his Bible knowledge, and she was best friends with his daughter, Elizabeth. Another favorite professor was Professor Otte who showed great patience even when Dorothy dropped the cymbals during a concert. 

Dorothy met her future husband, Wilbert Wegner, at her sister Marlyss’ wedding. She still followed her call to teach grades 3, 4, and 5 at a Lutheran school in Litchfield, IL. Willy and Dorothy married on June 23, 1956. They eventually ended up raising their family in Springfield, Minnesota. They raised 6 children while running a gas station, a school bus business, and farming.  

Dorothy had a huge heart for Jesus which led her to have a huge heart for all of His children. While her own children brought her joy and occasionally tried her patience, she spent many hours singing hymns with them on family road trips. She didn’t mind practical jokes like posing dummies in various places in the house or short sheeting beds. She taught Sunday School in Springfield. Eventually she and Will decided they were called to take care of God’s special children who had Down’s or other maladies at Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown, Wisconsin.

She is survived by sister Marlyss Wegner, and children Brian (Wendy) Wegner, Barbara Wegner, Bruce (Elizabeth) Wegner, Marie (Brian) Boettcher, Gary (Marcy) Wegner, and Steven (Mary) Wegner. Her surviving grandchildren are: Benjamin Wegner, Jenna (Sean) Wegner, Emily Wegner, Abigail (Thomas) Hanson, Matthew Boettcher, Jonathan Boettcher, Jada Wegner, and CarriAnne (Samuel) Hurst. She is also survived by a plethora of nieces and nephews. Dorothy is preceded in death by parents Irene and Freeman Graves, husband Wilbert, and sisters Marion Andersen and Carol Jensen.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin with Rev. David Groth presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown.

Memorials are requested for Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School.

The family would like to thank the staff at Spero Heritage Homes and Rainbow Hospice with additional thanks to Jody and family friend Naomi Neuberger.