Dorothy Marcella Braunwarth

Obituary

Dorothy Marcella (Aretz) Braunwarth was born on August 28, 1919, in Benton Township, Cologne, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Frank and Elsie (Knott) Aretz.  Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Cologne, Minnesota.  She received her education at a country school and St. Bernard’s Catholic School.

On June 11, 1940, Dorothy was united in marriage to Thomas Braunwarth at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Cologne, Minnesota.  Dorothy and Thomas made their home in Young America Township, Minnesota, until 2013 when she moved to The Harbor in Norwood Young America.  Their marriage was blessed with four children  Diane, Beverly, Gary and Marie.  Dorothy and Thomas shared nearly 65 years of marriage until Thomas passed away on June 6, 2005.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, Dorothy was a farmer’s wife and worked alongside her husband.  She was an active member of Church of the Ascension in Norwood Young America, where she sang in the choir and was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society.

Dorothy’s faith was very important to her and was evident in her life.  She enjoyed embroidering, crossword puzzles, cross stitch, watching the Minnesota Twins, playing cards and fishing.  Dorothy also loved being in the bell choir at The Harbor and every activity there.  She treasured the time spent with her family and friends. 

Dorothy passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota, at the age of 98 years, 4 months and 17 days. 

Blessed be her memory.

Dorothy is survived by Daughters Diane Fischer of New Ulm, MN and Marie Drees and husband, John of Shakopee, MN;
Grandchildren Paul Fischer, Beverly Fischer, Theresa Lonnquist and husband Carl, Father John Drees, Stephan Drees and wife Nichole, Timothy Drees, Bridget Schroeckenthaler and husband Andrew, Angela Drees, Monica Drees, and Thomas Drees;
Great Grandchildren Valerie, Henry, Vincent, and Blaise; Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by Parents Frank and Elsie Aretz; Husband Thomas Braunwarth; Daughter Beverly Braunwarth; Son Gary Braunwarth; Son-in-law Jerome Fischer; Siblings Raymond, Lucille, Sylvester, Richard, and Cyril.