Service Information
Dorothy L. Stolt, age 91, of Gaylord passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, at Golden Hearts in Arlington.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Obituary
Dorothy Louise (Freitag) Stolt was born on June 19, 1934, in Courtland Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Walter and Leona (Wilking) Freitag. Dorothy was baptized as an infant on July 8, 1934, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nicollet and was later confirmed in her faith on March 21, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. She attended St. Peter High School for three years and transferred to Nicollet High School her Senior year. Dorothy graduated from Nicollet High School in 1952. Dorothy continued her education at Mankato Commercial College. After graduating from Commercial College, she worked for Blue Earth Highway Department in Mankato as a bookkeeper.
Dorothy was united in marriage to Merlin T. Stolt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nicollet on May 14, 1955. After their marriage they lived in Lompoc, California. While Merlin was in the service, she worked at the Lompoc Hospital. In 1956 they moved to Mankato, she then worked for the State Highway Department as a clerk steno. In 1959 Merlin and Dorothy purchased their farm south of town. They were blessed with two children, Todd and Tammy. She helped on the farm and also worked in the office at Busch Bros. Department store in Gaylord. Later she worked at Gaylord Public School as a para in the kindergarten class room. In 1994, Dorothy and Merlin moved to Gaylord. She later worked part-time for Egesdal Funeral Home. Dorothy and Merlin shared 57 years of marriage when Merlin passed away on October 18, 2012.
Dorothy was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord. She enjoyed being a 4-H leader and serving on the Sibley County Extension Committee and the McLeod-Sibley County F.H.A. Board. She enjoyed volunteering at her church and parochial school. She also volunteered at the beauty shop in Oak Terrace Nursing Home
Dorothy enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and traveling. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
When she needed assistance with her care, Dorothy became a resident of Golden Hearts in Arlington and passed away there on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the age of 91 years. Blessed be her memory.
Dorothy is survived by her:
Children, Todd Stolt and his wife, Rhonda of Gaylord, MN, and
Tammy Hayda and her husband, Alan of Monticello, MN;
Grandchildren, Apryl Deno and her husband, Kevin, Brandon and Tyler Stolt, Jessica Bartak and her husband, Jordan, Nicole Wigand and her husband, Connor, and Chad Hayda;
Great-grandchildren, Hunter Deno, Braxton Deno, Beckett Wigand, Rhett Wigand, Noah Bartak and Emma Bartak;
Brother, Sonny Freitag of Nicollet, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her Parents, Walter and Leona Freitag; Husband, Merlin Stolt on October 18, 2012; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law.
Janet Deno says
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Dorothy. She was such a pleasant lady to visit with at the family gatherings. She will be missed.
Terry and Janet Deno
Brandon Stolt says
Dorothy was the best grandmother our family has ever had! She was always there for everybody who did almost anything for anybody she went the extra mile for a lot of people to help them, etc. especially being a supervisor teacher in kindergarten for me! she’s worked hard her whole life especially alongside her husband, Merlin, our dearly departed grandfather. I know a lot of us never got to say goodbye to her, but she’s at peace with God and his angels in heaven, and she may not be With us anymore, but all The memories that we have of her will remain in our hearts forever! We will see her again someday when it’s our time to join her and Merlin in heaven! May you rest in peace Grandma! We all love you!! God bless you for everything that you’ve done for the Stolt family!!
EILEEN (Lei) AMORIM says
I just found out about Dorthoy;s passing! My deepest sympathies to the family. I have fond memories of her throughout the years, She was was a loving ladyand will be missed.
Diane Dietz says
My deeply sympathy to the family of Dorothy. I have known Dorothy since my high school days visiting her in apartment in Mankato with Sonny and Karl . I will miss coffee at her home, our birthday club get togethers , just talking on the phone , and seeing her at church. May she rest in God’s peace until we all join her in heaven,
Philip Barrick says
Beautiful Soul, lots of wonderful loving memories to hold on too. Todd and Tammy and families my deepest sympathies. May God hold your and comfort you through this difficult time. May all the prayers and memories help to comfort you. God Bless.
Isidore Hayda says
My thoughts and prayers, and deepest sympathies go out to Dorothy’s family and friends. Although she won’t physically be here, she will always remain in our hearts and minds forever. Although I didn’t get to see Dorothy too much over the years, one of my fond memories of Dorothy is how she made everyone so very welcome at family gatherings, and her smile could make everyone around her smile.
Bob & Deb Stolt says
Our deepest condolences to Todd, Tammy and their families during this difficult time. May the cherished memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Take heart in knowing she is now with God and reunited with her beloved husband, Merlin.
Angie Briest Orvick says
Dorothy was a wonderful neighbor to us. She had me over for coffee and those were cherished memories of mine. Dorothy was kind, considerate and very loving. Blessed be her memory!
Linda Martin says
Linda Martin
So sorry to hear of Dorthy’s passing, she was such pleasant lady. I enjoyed visiting with her.
Brandon- what a great tribute to your Grandmother, keep all those wonderful memories close.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Lori Stumm Turbett says
My deepest sympathy to Todd, Tammy and families. Your Mom was a wonderful lady.
Colleen Overson says
Just learned of Dorothy’s passing. So sorry for your loss!