Dorothy McGinnis Obituary (1925 - 2021) - Argus Leader

Dorothy McGinnis

1925 - 2021

Dorothy McGinnis

Sioux Falls, SD - Dorothy Eleanor McGinnis died peacefully Sunday January 3, 2021, at Prince of Peace. Dorothy was born to Walter and Frances Bowar July 23, 1925 on the family farm outside of Ethan, SD. She attended Mount Marty College and obtained her teaching certificate. She taught school in a one room schoolhouse outside of Ethan. She married Bernell McGinnis on May 6, 1947, and they made their home in Sioux Falls, SD. Dorothy was dedicated to and loved by her family, friends, and everyone who knew her. She was a lifelong and founding member of Christ the King Church and received the Mother of year honor. She was a very social person and loved playing bridge and other card games as it gave her an opportunity to be with her family and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Bernell. She is survived by her two sons Glen (Anne) of Madison, WI and their children Brian, Kevin (Stephanie) and Sarah, and great grandchildren Charlie, Ella, and Wyatt; and son Rodney (Carol) of Sioux Falls and their children Molly, Patrick, Maureen (Jay) Scherrer, and Daniel, and great grandchildren Will and Roddy. She is also survived by one sister, Delores Gebhart, of Mitchell, SD.

Mass of Celebration will be at St Mary Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Participation will be available via Zoom, see Heritage website for details. Masks and social distancing are requested.

www.heritagesfsd.com

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Published in Argus Leader from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10, 2021.

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St. Mary Catholic Church

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JAN

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11:00 AM

St. Mary Catholic Church

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20 entries

January 12, 2021

Our deepest sympathy to Rod, Glen and the family

Terrie & Alan Christensen

Family

January 12, 2021

Very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed the time we spent with Dorothy, and the YOYO breakfasts, the quilting party, the reunions, and " A bird cannot fly on only one wing." We will surely miss her, and her sense of humor through all things.

Suzanne, Ross Richards

Family

January 12, 2021

This picture of her is so great. I never met her that that smile was not there in welcome. She blessed by life often as we shared food and played cards with Lenora and Connie and in recent years visits at Prince of Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sr. Marietta Kerkvliet

Friend

January 12, 2021

Aunt Dorothy - We always enjoyed being with you and loved your warm hospitality, eagerness to smile, and the fun you brought into our lives. We miss you. May you rest in peace.

Scott Pelton

Family

January 11, 2021

Dorothy and your father were good friends of my parents Joe and Dorcas Pillar. They had many fun times together. We all enjoyed them both. Very sorry for your loss.

Julie Curry

Friend

January 11, 2021

I had some of the best memories of the card parties that my parent, Lillian and Don had! Bernell and Dorothy were one of the couples that you remember so well! Both loved God and loved people! Dorothy was so kind and was the sweetest person with a smile that made you feel right at home!! God bless
Jim and Monica Honkamp

Jim Honkamp

Friend

January 11, 2021

I just want to express my deepest sympathy to the McGinnis family. I remember your Mom being such a humble, wonderful person and I used to run into Bernell at the National Bank of SD building all the time. Our families had alot of history as I was a Feiner from Ethan and knew Walt and Frances Bowar and saw them often as they lived across from the church. Also, Delores was the first person I saw when we hurried to Mitchell on Christmas Eve in 1977 to deliver our daughter, Jessica, who eventually played some soccer with Molly. Carol took great care of my husband, Ed, at Sanford too. Then her daughter took some X-rays when I broke my arm. Small world and lots of wonderful memories. Dorothy has left a great legacy through her family. I'm sure she's dancing a jig on streets of gold in heaven by now!!
Sincerely,
Jean and Ed Bowar

Jean Bowar

January 11, 2021

Also growing up on Wood Dr. in the era of "neighborhood moms," I share Drake Wood's eloquently expressed sentiments about Dorothy. Even after all "us kids" (as Drake calls us) had moved on, whenever I was fortunate enough to encounter Dorothy, she never failed to ask about my "folks," brothers, and me. That was Dorothy; she always showed an interest in and concern about everyone else! Years later, soon after my mother passed away, Dorothy and Paulie (another neighborhood mom) invited me over for snacks and beverages. It was so reassuring to realize that two of Mom's longtime good friends thought so much of her and still remembered and cared about me, after some 40 years. Yes, Dorothy was one in a million! She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. RIP, dear neighborhood mom.

Jeff Richards

Neighbor

January 10, 2021

Dorothy was one of the most kind, welcoming women I ever knew.

Jane Eggers McClean

Friend

January 10, 2021

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

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Catherine McGinnis

January 10, 2021

I was fortunate to grow up in a 1960's neighborhood , where a group of very special mothers, housewives, watched over “us kids” as guardian angels, who took on the task of raising a neighborhood. Dorothy was one of those special nurturers that cast a wondrous glow of kindness and caring on “us kids”; I am forever grateful for her presents in my neighborhood, it is with great Joy that I remember her smile and my heart goes out for her family as you celebrate her life. Know she was loved.

Drake Wood

Neighbor

January 10, 2021

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Marilyn Jones

January 10, 2021

I enjoyed working with Dorothy at the St Francis House years ago. What a great smile she had. She was so good working with people. Her kindness will never be forgotten. She’ll truly be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sharon Raph

Acquaintance

January 8, 2021

To my Aunt, you were the best. We were always anxious to see you.

Daniel Schlimgen

Family

January 8, 2021

My Aunt Dorothy McGinnis was the heart and soul of our family for many years. In June, 2012 she support our family reunion with love and finances. Even in her later years while in the nursing home, I enjoyed visiting with her. She even called me later in life if I didn't call her. She was devoted to her husband Bernell who was wheelchair bound for most of their married life. She always cared for him with a smile. I will miss her. Bob Schlimgen, Parkston, SD

Bob Schlimgen

Significant_other

January 7, 2021

I loved sitting next to Dorothy at several meetings. She was such a great person with a big heart, and seemed to have an opinion which she wasn't afraid of expressing. Gods blessings.

charles Ludvigson

January 7, 2021

I met Dorothy through a mutual friend. What a wonderful lady. We played cards together and sometimes had lunch or evening meals together too.
A very kind person who cared so much for her family. Was very proud of them.
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to each of you.

Donna Knutson

Friend

January 7, 2021

Living Spirit Dishgarden

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Mary Weber

January 6, 2021

I was employed by the Honorable John B. Jones and his wife Rosemary and Dorothy were cousins. Rosemary always said we didn't have to worry about anything because Dorothy worried enough for all of us. She was a dear, sweet lady and I can just imagine the reunion of the cousins in Heaven.

Peggy Teslow

Acquaintance

January 5, 2021

She will be missed.....Rest in peace Aunt Dorothy.

Nan and Todd Dammer

Family

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