DOROTHY M. JOHNSON-BECK

Dorothy M. (Korbel) Johnson Beck, died on July 15, 2016 at Angel’s Touch Care Center in Spokane, WA. She was formerly of Oberon, ND and died at the age of 89 years. Funeral Services for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Tom Westcott officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Dorothy Marie Korbel was born August 5, 1926 in Geneseo, North Dakota, the first born child of Albin and Mary Korbel. She graduated from Fingal High School and later attended Business College. Following college, Dorothy was employed by Minneapolis Moline in Minneapolis, MN. Dorothy met a handsome sailor during a train ride while she was returning to work after visiting her family. Emmet Johnson was returning to duty during World War II. This was the beginning of a love story that Dorothy loved to share during the past few years of her life. Dorothy and Emmet were married September 1, 1945 in Hopkins, MN. They moved to their farm home near Oberon, ND and farmed there until Emmet’s death in February of 1992. Dorothy worked in the field, milked cows and was an avid gardener. There was nothing on the farm that Dorothy could not do. At the beginning and end of each day, she would set the table with a big meal for all who came through the door. If someone came to visit, they had to eat. Her meals were a feast. The huge homemade caramel rolls and buns were her grandchildren’s favorites. Dorothy’s professional career included teaching at a rural elementary school. After a time working at the bank in Minnewaukan, she became the Director of Tax Equalization for Benson County. She attended many hours of training for the certifications required for that position and was proud to serve Benson County for 22 years. Following her retirement, Dorothy moved to Spokane, WA to be near her daughter Rhoene and family. While there, she married Delois (Pete) Beck. They lived in Corvalis, Montana until Pete’s death in 2009. Following his death, Dorothy moved to Devils Lake. Recently, she moved back to Spokane to be near her daughter and was living at an adult family home in Spokane, receiving services from Horizon Hospice. Throughout her life, Dorothy enjoyed playing cards and was known to be very competitive. She treasured her memories of going to dances, especially doing the polka. Dorothy was a master quilter. She made beautiful quilts which are now in the homes of all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also did embroidery work and crocheted beautiful heirlooms. As a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, she was active in the Quilters Group. Dorothy helped complete many quilts for mission projects. She enjoyed her time with the group and continued to sew quilt tops, even though she could no longer go to the meetings. Dorothy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be forever in our hearts. Dorothy is survived by her three children. Dennis (Donna) Johnson, Devils Lake, Rhoene (Mike) Jessup Colbert, WA, Stuart Johnson, Oberon, ND; grandchildren Steven (Andrea) Johnson, Sara (Jason) Bullis, Brad Johnson, David (Diana) Szymarek, Ryan (Nicole) Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Chris (Amanda) Johnson and Rhiannon (Chase) Betz; eleven great grandchildren; sister Irene (Art) Hanson, Myrtle Beach, NC; brother-in-law Clifford (Lillian) Johnson, Carrington, ND and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Emmet Johnson and Delois Beck; grandson Mark Szymarek; brother Edward Korbel. Sadly her son, Stuart died on August 5, 2016.