Dorothy Ellen Bartels

Dorothy Ellen Bartels, 99 years, 9 months and 9 days, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully at Maple Manor Nursing Home on Saturday, November 14, 2015 with her family and friends by her side. Dorothy Ellen Zobeck was born on February 5, 1916 to Louis and Anna (Horseji) Zobeck of Lime Springs, IA.She grew up on the farm and attended country schools in the Howard County area. On July 26th, 1939 she married Reuben Bartels at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Lime Springs, IA.Reuben and Dorothy had one child, Gail.They farmed for many years in the Lime Springs community.In 1962 they moved to Rochester, MN where Dorothy worked at Saint Marys Hospital in the laundry and housekeeping areas for 18 years.After retirement she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as pursuing her many hobbies of sewing, crocheting, gardening, family fishing trips and many crafts.She always brought so much joy and fun to the family get-togethers and will be deeply missed by all of us. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Gail Loucks of Rochester; her grandchildren, Lisa (David) Loucks Christenson of Rochester, Brian (Katie) Loucks of Rochester, Heather (James) Apple of Rochester and Michael (Krista) Loucks of Denver, CO; also surviving are Dorothys 11 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Reuben; son-in-law, Terry Loucks; granddaughter, Laurie Burt; two sisters and four brothers. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mayo Hospice for their wonderful care and a special thank you to the Pastors of Bethel Lutheran Church for their many visits and support. There will be a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Bethel Lutheran Church.Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the church.Entombment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.