Dorothy Stephenson, 82, of Dexter, Minn. died Friday morning , Oct. 23, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

She was born June 14, 1927 in Austin, the daughter of Even and Olga (Kyseth) Evenson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She received her education in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1945. She married Franklin Stephenson on Sept. 25, 1946 in Minneapolis. She lived in Dexter until 1978 when she moved to California, returning to Dexter in 2005.

She was an active member of the community, having served as leader of the Commercial Club, a member of the Eastern Star, American Legion and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Elkton and as a Cub Scout den mother. She liked to play cards, bowl, golf and swim. She enjoyed many activities when healthy as well as caring for her mother. She loved to spend time with her family.

Franklin died on Jan. 23, 2000.

She is survived by three children, Richard Stephenson of Denver, Colo., LeAnn (Bill) Howe and Randy (Barbara) Stephenson, all of Dexter; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Rosa Evenson of Michigan and Camilla Farnsworth of Austin; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Franklin; a son, Roger, in 1998; four brothers, Melvin, Donald (Binky), Pearly and Barney; and three sisters, Evelyn, Lorraine and Elaine; and daughter-in-law, Joan Stephenson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Elkton with the Rev. Liz Erickson officiating. Interment will follow the service in Dexter Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 at the Worlein Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.