Passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 after an amazing life of 94 years. Born to John and Caroline Harriett (Lentz) Wiechman on January 3, 1931, Dotty grew up on their farm in Brewster, MN where her father milked cows, grew crops and raised livestock. One of her most impactful childhood memories was when she and her mother were in a horse-drawn wagon miles away from the farm when the 1940 Armistice Day Blizzard hit. They took shelter in the back of the wagon while the horse (thankfully) knew the way home.

Dotty graduated as valedictorian from Brewster High School and went on to earn her Registered Nurse degree from the University of Minnesota after which she had a very fulfilling career at various hospitals, governmental agencies and as an instructor at Dakota County Technical College. Even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her 40’s, Dotty continued to work as an RN and lead an active life. She returned to Brewster to participate in the all-female bugle corps at the 1976 Bicentennial Parade and kept in touch with her close-knit U of M RN classmates until she was the last surviving member. In retirement Dotty volunteered for Travel’s Assistance at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Dotty was united in marriage to Anton (Tony) Schmidt on November 29, 1952, and they resided in St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, MN while raising their 8 children. Family events were important whether it was taking Sunday drives and summer camping trips, visiting her parents on the farm, celebrating the holidays, or attending school or special events. After retiring Dotty and Tony were able to fulfill their dream of traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Germany and Italy. They also enjoyed playing bingo primarily at the West St. Paul Bingo Palace, a ‘tradition’ which Dotty continued after Tony’s passing. Her children and grandchildren surprised her with an online bingo party for Dotty’s 90th birthday since it occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dotty was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; daughter, Carolyn Ketchel; grandson, Douglas Schmidt; and granddaughter, Lauren Schulte; and her parents and siblings and their spouses, Wanda (James) Laybourn, Carl (Beatrice) Wiechman, and John Wiechman. She is survived by her children & their spouses, Richard Ketchel (son-in-law), Timothy (Berghetta) Schmidt, Beverly (Kevin) Schulte, Susan (Donald) Hill, Mary Beth (Joel) Forseth, Sarah (Gary) Kopp, Daniel (Jerri) Schmidt, and Joseph (Wendy) Schmidt; and 18 grandchildren, Jeff, Tony (Sara), Tim Jr. (Sam), Ed (Heather), Kim (Josh), Joe (Jiaqi), Sarah (Greg), David, Katie (Aaron), John (Katie), Sean (Lauren), Bridget (Jake), Erin, Alaina (Drew), Olivia (Drew), Jon, Alex and Will; and 10 great-grandchildren, Amelie, Emmett, Theia, Rowan, Violet, Logan, Adeline, Jordy, Oliver and Colin; plus a large extended family of nieces/nephews and cousins.

A special thank you to the staff at Health Partners Hospice and Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, MN for making Dotty’s final weeks meaningful and comfortable.

‍A celebration of Dotty’s life will be planned for the summer of 2025. Those desiring to make a contribution in her memory are encourage to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.