Service Information
Dorothy Prax, age 91, of Fairfax passed away Monday, April 3, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax with interment in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M., (2 hours prior) ALL at the church.
Obituary
Dorothy was born on a farm south of Olivia, Minnesota, to Lester and Sophronia (Klemenhagen) Ferguson on April 22, 1931. Her father died of a ruptured appendix on March 17, 1931, so she never knew her dad. His death left her mother a widow with five children and eight months pregnant. Life was not easy for the young family.
The family moved into Olivia and she lived in town until the age of 12 when her mother remarried. She had gone through the 6th grade in the Olivia Public School. When her mother remarried the family moved to a farm north of Danube. She finished her education at Danube, graduating from Danube High School in 1949.
After high school she worked at Renville-Sibley Electric Co-operative from 1949 until she married Robert Prax on June 23, 1956. The couple was married at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. They enjoyed almost 60 years of marriage, prior to Bob’s passing away on January 17, 2016. They were blessed with four children who they were fortunate enough to raise in Fairfax.
Dorothy held various jobs during her working years. Beginning with the Electric Co-op. Next was the bakery in Fairfax, Prax’s Red Owl, in partnership with her husband, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, St. Andrew’s School and a dental office, retiring in 1993.
During their retirement years, Bob and Dorothy spent winters in warmer climates, including Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Rockport, Texas, and mostly in Salome, Arizona. They enjoyed many years of motorcycling during the spring, summer and fall months. She always enjoyed her family, often wishing they lived closer. She especially enjoyed Christmas when the whole family would gather at her house, and the many events that took place in the screenhouse in her backyard.
Dorothy was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax for many years and was a member of the CCW and Christian Mother’s organizations, having served as an officer of both. She also sang in the church choir for many years and was involved in other church activities. She was a member of the Fairfax American Legion Auxiliary since 1958, the Danube Historical Society and the Renville County Museum. She was greatly interested in any happenings concerning Fairfax and often voiced her opinion.
Dorothy passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 91 years. Blessed be her memory.
Dorothy is survived by her:
Children, Jim Prax of Fairfax, MN,
Thomas (Sue) Prax of Fairfax, MN,
Katie (Mitch) Maurer of Benson, MN, and
Karen (Mike) Langer of Cross Lake, MN;
Grandchildren, Andrew (Heidi) Maurer of Moorhead, MN, Garrett (Audra) Maurer of Moorhead, MN, Zachary (Maia) Maurer of Bloomington, MN, Alissa Maurer of Benson, MN, Ashley (John) Roiland of Watertown, MN, Bryce (Jenny) Prax of Stanchfield, MN, Jennifer (Jason) Bents of Bemidji, MN, Michelle (Bryan) Foss of Arden Hills, MN, and Tom (Chelsea) Langer of Minneapolis, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Lizzie and Charlie Maurer, Bella, Myles, Wenzel and Nora Foss, Ellie and Savannah Prax, Madelyn, Margaret and Griffin Maurer; with one more on the way.
She was also Godmother to four daughters through the Sacrament of Baptism, Dianne Prax Armstrong, Lisa Palmer Herrold, Lisa Fahey Bleick, and Natalie Boyum Frank;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert Prax; Brothers, Harold, Kenneth, and Ray; Dale Ferguson in infancy; Sisters, Ruth Hoppe Brown and Marian Gunderson.
Diane Liebl says
Deepest sympathy to the family. Such a vibrant lady. Gerry and Diane Liebl
Rick Ferguson says
Aunt Dorothy you are going to be so missed. You were such a kind person, you helped us through some very hard times. You were the kind of person that there was no fluff or sugar coating, but inside you had a heart of Gold. I remember how proud you were the day we got your Flagpole up in your yard. I have a picture of you standing alongside of it and pointing to the pole. I will cherish that picture of you. R.I.P. Aunt Dorothy.
Rick & Tammy Ferguson
Pat Dillon says
Aunt Dorothy you touched my heart and life in so many ways. I will always remember and cherish our Chatterbox lunches and I am not sure who will now solve all the world events. Your energy was an inspiration to many and your love for your big brother Ray was beautiful. I have zucchini muffins in the freezer for you and will smile and think of you as I eat them now. Jim, Katie, Tom and Karen many hugs for comfort. Rest in Peace dear lady!
Arlene Cowles says
My Sympathies to all the family who I know will miss Dorothy. I have been Blessed to be Dorothy’s neighbor and friend for the 5 1/2 years since I moved to Fairfax. Dorothy & I hit it off from the start as we both love coffee and discussions of life issues. I think in our many hours of get togethers esp. in her Screen House…we must have consumed a Barrel of Coffee. Yes, Dorothy was very helpful in the Community and was so thoughtful of people’s needs. A devoted Citizen..she enjoyed her new Flag on the Pole…and we shopped for an Eagle Statue later. On Palm Sunday, we enjoyed our last Coffee at my house…when she brought me an Easter Plant…and said she enjoyed the Rice Pudding I gave her earlier. We talked about how we had fun when 2 yrs ago we drove to South Dakota and enjoyed our mutual April Birthday at the Tin Lizzie Casino in Rapid City. We talked about where we could take a shorter drive for our Birthday this year, as she said she was more tired, and I walked her home. Just hours later she joined Jesus in Heaven…and is at Peace, after a Wonderful Life. Happy Birthday April 22nd, Dorothy.
Kevin Kiecker says
My condolences to the entire family. I just saw her last fall at my Dads sale. So sorry to hear that she passed. Rest in peace Dorothy.
Corky Frank says
So many thoughts and prayers to Dorothy’s entire family. We so enjoyed visiting with her and her words of wisdom. We will definitely miss her around Fairfax. What a gem of person she was. Thoughts to all, Cork and Loretta
JOHN & JEANETTE PRAX says
JOHN & JEANETTE PRAX
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES NEW MEXICO
VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DORTHY. PRAYERS FROM MY WIFE & I GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY. GOD BLESS DORTHY & THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
Cynthia Hubbard says
Doris and her dear family stopped over to greet me my first month in Fairfax, nearly 5 years ago. They were very cordial and kind to me since I’ve lived here. I always enjoyed visiting with them.
Doris’s family was very devoted to her and to her care.
I have great respect for Doris and her family and pray that the Lord will comfort them during this sensitive time.