Dorene Speer

Dorene Speer, age 97 of Rochester, passed away on September 4, 2024 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - Methodist Campus.

Dorene Speer was born September 11, 1926 to Ben and Jeannie (Dornink) Scheevel in Fillmore County.

She attended one-room country schools in Fillmore Co. through the 8th grade and graduated from Preston High School in 1944. The following year she attended Preston Normal Training and taught in several one-room schools before getting her teaching degree from Winona Sate.

On February 14, 1948 John and Dorene were married in Preston. They farmed for several years before moving to Rochester in 1963, where John worked in maintenance for the Rochester School District. Dorene taught in the Badger School for six years. She then moved to the Longfellow School where she taught fourth grade. Dorene retired in 1985 after 35 years of teaching.

After retirement, she and John spent several winters in Tucson and Apache Junction, AZ. She enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking, baking and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Dorene is survived by 2 sons Lynn (Pamela) and Todd (Mari Jane); 3 grandchildren Emily, Haley, and Jeremiah Speer; one sister Marlys Wiste; and several nieces and nephews who were all very special to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2004; an infant son Terry, her parents; 3 sisters and one brother.

Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Evangel United Methodist Church, 2645 North Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be from 5-7PM on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will take place in Greenleafton Cemetery in rural Preston.