Dorothy Ann (Carstens) Kannegiesser
Dorothy Ann (Carstens) Kannegiesser was born July 6, 1942, in Shible Township, Swift County, Minnesota to William and Mabel (Gronholz) Carstens. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Dorothy attended a country church school near the Carstens home until 8th grade and graduated from Appleton High School with the class of 1960. From a young age a hard work ethic was instilled in Dorothy’s nature. At the start of her senior year, her mother and sister contracted tuberculosis and spent a year in a sanatorium recuperating. Dorothy took over managing the household, helped her dad with field work, had a part time job as a bank teller and still maintained National Honor Roll status.
It was during this time that a handsome, young Hancock man driving a white 1957 DeSoto, caught her attention. Her cousin, Garvin, introduced them and the rest is history! September 30, 1961, they were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township. They moved to the family farm in Hoff Township, Pope County. Dorothy worked alongside Dale, milking cows, raising hogs, and feeding beef cattle. She was a top-notch Bobcat operator and feed truck driver for many years. Dorothy raised a large garden and did a lot of canning along with cooking for the farm crew. Their marriage was blessed by four children, Kevin, who passed away in infancy, Sonia, Erick, and Ted. Dorothy and Dale were married for nearly 60 years before Dale passed away in 2021.
Dorothy was a very active member of Our Redeemer’s Church serving on the Church Council, as WELCA President for over 20 years, Sunday School teacher, superintendent, and church choir. She was very active in 4-H in her youth and served as a 4-H leader when her own kids were in 4-H. Dorothy was employed at several business throughout the years, including Future Products of Benson, Larry’s Foods and BonJo’s of Morris and several flower shops. Her hobbies included flower gardening, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed attending all of their events while she was able. Grandma Dorothy could invent lots of creative ways to keep kids busy inside and out of the house.
Dorothy passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. She attained 83 years of life. She is survived by her daughter, Sonia (Mike) Kannegiesser-Boser, son Erick Kannegiesser, both of Hancock and son Ted (Kristy) Kannegiesser of Clontarf; eight grandchildren: Jessica (Kody) Pullis, Corey Ascheman, Jacob (Kaylee) Ascheman, Noah Kannegiesser, Jenna Kannegiesser, Kara Kannegiesser, Ty Kannegiesser, and Ava Kannegiesser; four great grandchildren: Waylon and Lyla Pullis and Bodie and Dawson Ascheman; several nephews and nieces. Dorothy was proceeded in death by her parents, William and Mabel, brother Wilbur, sisters Virginia and Junyce, brother –in- law-Gerald Giese, husband Dale, son Kevin, parents in law George and Emma Kannegiesser, niece Jodi Munsterman and nephew John Giese.
Blessed be the memory of Dorothy Ann Kannegiesser.
Visitation for Dorothy will be held Monday, November 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Hancock, Minnesota, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Church-Shible Township at a later date.
