Dorothy E. Ostrom
Dorothy Ellen (Hier) Ostrom surprised the world with her presence on September 28, 1936, born in Springfield just minutes after her twin brother, Dennis. She left us the morning of September 17, 2024, barely shy of her 88 birthday. Dorothy loved her family, her church, and her community. And the Minnesota Twins.
Dorothy grew up in Springfield, surrounded by the extended Hier family which included numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Many good memories were made at the annual Hier reunion. She graduated from high school in 1954, then received a teaching degree from Mankato State University in 1958.
At a Knights of Columbus “Singles Night” dance party in 1962, Dorothy met Gene Ostrom, the love of her life. They were married on July 27, 1963, proudly officiated by her beloved brother Dennis who was presiding over his first-ever wedding as a new pastor.
In 1958 Dorothy began her teaching career as a History teacher – and class play director – in Olivia, MN. She moved to Rochester’s Central Junior High in 1961. At Central, she met a group of fellow teachers that remain loyal friends to this day. Dorothy continued teaching for decades, moving from Rochester Public Schools to Children’s World, and then to Sunday School in her retirement.
In December of 1963 Dorothy and Gene joined Mt. Olive Lutheran church. It became their church home and a place for Dorothy to volunteer her many talents. Among the many roles Dorothy assumed: she was President of the Mt. Olive LCW, President of the Church Women United, and President of Rochester Council of Churches. She belonged to the Naomi Circle for over 50 years, prepared meals for Family Promise and Dorothy Day House, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and even acted in six Lenten plays. During the Rochester flood of 1978, she was an integral part of the Rochester Area Churches Emergency Response, and in 2007 she was honored with the Valiant Women award from the Church Women United.
Dorothy would like to offer sincere appreciation to the many people who provided care including her family, close friends, and the wonderful staff at Mayo Clinic and St Mary’s Hospital.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Gene Ostrom of Rochester, MN; daughter Karna (Mike) Loyland of Grand Forks, ND; daughter Sarah (Geoff) Nelson of Seattle, WA; her grandchildren Soren, Peter, Riley, and Maximo; her brother Dennis (Jan) Hier of Wilmar, MN; beloved nieces and nephews; and sister-in laws Betty Hier and Marj Hier. She is preceded in death by her parents LaForest and Ada Hier, and her brothers Percy and Darrel Hier.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Dorothy has requested that memorials be directed to Mt. Olive in support of their Kijota Hull High School program.