Dorothy Louise Thompson

Dorothy Louise Thompson, born on September 11, 1931, in Oak Glen, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of John and Margaret Mae (Dickinson) Kammer. On November 5, 1949 in Hammond, IN., Dorothy was united in marriage to Emerit O. Thompson Sr. Together, Dorothy and Emerit created a warm and loving home filled with 8 children, laughter and cherished memories.
A woman of many passions, Dorothy found joy in sewing, quilting, and gardening. She was an avid reader, enjoyed daily crossword puzzles, and loved indulging in game shows, Westerns, and soap operas. Cooking and baking were not just hobbies for her-they were expressions of her love, especially when shared with family and friends. Nothing brought her more happiness than the phone calls and visits from her family and friends. Dorothy had a heart of kindness and was always putting others first. Her easy-going nature made her a joy to be around, and her hardworking spirit inspired all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but forever cherished in our hearts.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Lynn (Jim) Lawlor, Christine (Larry) Speltz, Steven (Janet) Thompson, Cindy Thompson, Emerit (Julie) Thompson Jr., Eric (Jane) Thompson, and Amy (Dave) Salchow. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her 16 grandchildren: Drew Thiele, Emily (Patrick) West, Ben Curnett, Lea (Dan) Craine, Anne Marie Gallas, Erica (Tim) Carlson, Tia Thompson, Allie (Devon) Krueger, Nicholas Thompson, Kelsi (Sheldon) Lewis, Seth (Emily) Thompson, Caleb (Mary Kate) Thompson, Haley Thompson, Eli Thompson, Grace Thompson, and Lily Thompson. She was also the proud grandmother of 17 great-grandchildren, Magdalene West, Genevieve West, Mitch Craine, Rosie Craine, Ben West, Leo Craine, Owen Curnett, Carter Curnett, Suzie Carlson, Emerit Craine, Linus Carlson, Fletcher Carlson, Lincoln Krueger, Gideon Thompson, Piper Thompson, Soren Krueger and Reya Thompson. Dorothy is also survived by her brother, John (Diane) Kammer and her nephew, Kris Walker.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 52 years, Emerit O. Thompson Sr.; her daughter, Susan Marie Thompson; and her siblings, Bob Kammer, Don Kammer, and Marilyn Kammer-Hill.
A memorial service to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, located at 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester with family friend, Jennifer Matthees officiating. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.
In honoring Dorothy's memory, we invite you to share your special memories or condolences at www.mackenfuneralhome.com