Dorothy Arlene Retzlaff, age 86, of Carrington, ND, died Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington.

Dorothy was born July 16, 1926, the daughter of Otto and Ida (Zimmer) Retzlaff at their farm home near Cathay, ND. Dorothy loved her life on the farm and the many animals, especially her horse Jim. She rode him over to visit her Aunt Clara Zabel and Uncle Charlie Retzlaff, who lived a short distance away. Being the oldest, she was very protective of her sisters & brothers. In 1957, she moved into Sykeston with her parents. After her father died, Dorothy and her mother moved from their home into the Lake Hiawatha Apartments in Sykeston. A few years after her mother died in 1993, Dorothy became a resident at Holy Family Villa in Carrington. She resided there until 2006, when failing health caused her to become a resident of Golden Acres Manor.

Dorothy was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sykeston, ND, and was a faithful member. She was also a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and received an Appreciation award in 2012, from the LWML for being a member 59 years. She made many friends in the Cathay, Sykeston and Carrington areas. She enjoyed embroidering, having visitors, and playing Rummy. Her favorite line was “I’ll see you in the Funny Papers!�

Left to mourn her passing are two sisters and one brother: Evangeline Thompson, Polk City, Iowa, Ruth Wumkes, West Fargo, ND, and Al (Sharon) Retzlaff, Carrington; and also many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by one infant brother; two sisters and four brothers-in-law Edna and Paul Neumiller, Peter J. Wumkes, Edward Thompson, Eleanor and Dale Aukes; one great nephew Arick Seil; and one niece Melody Retzlaff.

The family suggests memorials to Sykeston Cemetery Association, Sykeston, ND 58486