Dorothy Marie (Wolf) Kemmerick, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully with family by her side on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Dorothy was born Aug. 23, 1927, on the family farm in Meyer, Iowa, to Edward and Regina (Hemann) Wolf. She attended Sacred Heart School and later did housekeeping and childcare for local families. At age 18, she met the love of her life, Joseph William Kemmerick. They were married on Oct. 30, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Meyer. Together they raised seven children on a farm south of Austin, where they lived for 46 years. Dorothy was active in the Rosary Society and sang in the choir at Queen of Peace Church in Lyle, Minnesota. Her deep faith brought her comfort.

Dorothy was a kind, devoted, loving wife and mother who always put her family’s needs first. She loved to garden and grow beautiful flowers. Dorothy fed her family all year with the vegetables she raised, fruits she canned and jams she made. She was known for her delicious homemade breads and pies. There were always sweet treats for the family.

In 1996, Joe and Dorothy moved to Austin, where they continued to garden. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, especially in the quilt room. Reading, embroidering and quilting were favorite pastimes. As each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into the world, they were greeted with one of Dorothy’s beautiful homemade baby quilts. Her sharp mind served her well in her passion for playing cards. Above all she loved spending time with family. Her friends say she was a blessed soul, a joy in their lives, a dear friend.

She is survived by six children, Norma Holmes, Exton, Pennsylvania, Ryan (Patricia), Rochester, Minnesota, Randy (Judy), Seymour, Missouri, Sheila (Tom) Brownlow, Rochester, Brenda Kemmerick, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Susan (William) Horner, Spring, Texas; daughter-in-law, Joan Kemmerick, Austin; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; Christopher (Amy) Holmes and Tyler, Zachary, Andrew, Jennifer Holmes and Rome, Sarah Holmes, Kate (Michael) Poterucha and Emily, Paige, Sarah (Michael) Boyd and Grant, Adam (Breanna) Kemmerick and Mason, Finley, Brody, Sean (Jenni) Brownlow and Cole, Elayna, Avery, Michael (Abbie) Brownlow and Ellie and Kristen Brownlow; brothers, Robert (Geraldine), Joseph (Marian) and Edward (June); sisters, Kathleen Wigham and Julie (Mike) Goodman; and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Joseph, in 2018; son, Mark, in August 2019; granddaughter, Ann, in 1989; parents; sister, Mildred; and brothers, Raymond, Clement, and infant brother, Clarence.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. There will be a 7 p.m. wake service on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at Mayer Funeral Home, where friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour before the Mass on Wednesday at the church.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.