Dorothea Jean Arends Christofferson, 87, of Lawrence, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Memorial services will be 11 am, Saturday April 27, 2019, at Family Church of Lawrence, 906 1464 Rd. Lawrence, KS.
Dorothea was born September 12, 1931 in Brookings, SD, the daughter of Henry O. and Emma Graves Arends. She was one of twelve children and grew up in rural Okoboji, IA, where she graduated high school.
She attended Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, IA, graduating in 1950, and went on to teach kindergarten in Forest City, IA.
She married Wayne I. Christofferson on August 3, 1951 in Charleston, SC, while Wayne was serving in the United States Navy. He survives of the home.
They returned to Iowa, and in 1955 they bought the Renwick Times. In 1958 they purchased the St. Ansgar Enterprise and settled in St. Ansgar, Iowa where they raised their five children. They were members of the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church where Dorothea sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for many years. She was also active in Cub Scout leadership and the Legion Auxiliary.
Dorothea was a devoted and wonderful wife and mother whose greatest joy was spending time with her family. She spent countless hours enthusiastically attending school and athletic events for all of her children and many grandchildren. In October, 2003, she and Wayne moved to Lawrence, KS where they now reside.
Her many interests included gardening, canning, golfing, swimming, sewing and multiple textile arts. Her passion in retirement was becoming a master weaver. She owned several looms and created beautiful rugs, scarves, clothing and uniquely designed baby blankets for each new addition to her family.
Survivors include her husband, Wayne; children Debra Kubicek, Randal (Jean), Joel (Darlene), Lana (Claude Williamson), Amy (Jeff Cuttell); grandchildren Jenny (Phil), Lonny (Susan), Taylor (Lindsay), Ben (Nicole), Tom (Missie), Joe (Ellen), Adam, Haley (Mason), April, Emily
(Derek), Jordan (Jovita), and Ashton as well as twenty five great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; siblings Henry Arends Jr. (Lillian), Patricia (Ed Morisch), Diann Naber, Tom Arends (Sheri), Jim Arends, Larry Arends (Jann), Vernon Stykel (Pat) and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothea was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Emma, her stepmother, Florence Arends, 2 infant siblings, brothers Kenneth Arends, Russell Arends and Lawrence Stykel, and sister Thelma Eichman, son-in-law Kent Kubicek, and great grandson William Fiala.
Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, Sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044
Uncle Wayne and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and always
Uncle Wayne and Family, I was so saddened to just recently hear of Aunt Dorts passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Love Cindy
Wayne I am sorry for your loss of Dort,I know you were a pair.I miss seeing both of you. God bless,Rich Johnson.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I miss you already you beautiful blue-eyed beauty! My love to the family! Thank you for sharing this Angel with us!
Please accept my condolences to your family at this difficult time.