Dorothea Ann Jerdee Ofstedal, 81, of Falcon Heights, died peacefully Oct. 13 surrounded by loving family.
Dorothea trusted that her savior lord was waiting to receive her into the arms of God. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, she lived to serve, bringing family together often.
She was an accomplished organist, pianist and choral singer. She loved family times at the cabin. She will be remembered for her lovely, gentle sense of humor. Families in St. Anthony Park may remember “Mrs. O’s” record of faithful substitute teaching at St. Anthony Park Elementary School.
Born in Bemidji, Minn., she was a pastor’s daughter in Cass Lake, Minn.; Beloit, Iowa; Crocker, S.D.; and Iola, Wis. After her father’s sudden death she lived with her mother in Decorah, Iowa; Monticello, Va.; and Forest City, Iowa. She attended Waldorf College in Iowa and the University of Minnesota. She married Paul E. Ofstedal in 1957. They served Lutheran parishes together in Park Falls, Wis.; Lakota, Sioux City, and Storm Lake, Iowa; Williston, N.D.; and at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by their daughter, Anne; parents, Dora Peterson Jerdee and Joseph Conrad Jerdee; and brother, Joseph. She is survived by Paul, her husband of 58 years; children, Daniel, Joseph, Ruth Jovaag-Ofstedal (Jon) and Anne’s husband, Lu Wei; sister, Janet Forde; sister-in-law, Sylvia Jerdee; and 11 grandchildren.
Her memorial service was held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, Oct. 17.
