Dorothy Alice Ellert Martin was born August 14, 1921, in Dalton, Minnesota, the fourth of nine children to Herman and Alma (Olson) Ellert. She attended school and was confirmed in Erdahl, Minnesota. She married Harold Eugene Martin on June 25, 1938 at her parents home in South St. Paul. They lived in the Lakeville area and in 1956, purchased their first house (which was located where Fleet Farm is now). In July 1978, they purchased a home in Webster. Harold died on December 14, 1994, and Dorothy remained in Webster until moving to the Windsor Senior Apartments in Lakeville in 1997. She made many friends and enjoyed her time at the Windsor Apartments, remaining there until May of this year. During those years she enjoyed Bible Study Group, going out to lunch, and shopping with her family and friends.

Dorothy was a member of Christiania Lutheran Church. She enjoyed cleaning and with 10 kids had a lot of practice. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidering, cooking, listening to music, reading, gardening and flowers. Dorothy took great pride in her large family. On the 4th of July she was able to help celebrate her son Gary’s birthday. Each family has received gifts of embroidery from her, some as beautiful sets of towels and others as banners of classic cars. She was a wonderful housekeeper and passed that on to her daughters and some of her sons! She taught patience and perseverance.

Survivor include her 10 children and their spouses: Richard (Myrna) of Lakeville, Marilyn Martin of Lead Hill, Arkansas, Russell (Judy) of Elko, Carol (Richard) Ostlie of Lakeville, Amy (David) Tonsager of Farmington, Aleda (Robert) Fritzke of Wascott, Wisconsin, William of Lakeville, Harold of Northfield, Steven (Teresa) of Northfield, Gary of Northfield; 14 grandchildren: Jeff (Robin) Martin, Jeanne (Todd) Bergstrom, Rick Martin, Geri Mae (Bob) Howard, Eugene Pester, Michelle Martin, Ryan (Chrissy) Martin, Julie (Jerry) Fish, Jason Ostlie, Renae( Michael) DeCesare, Dawn (Nate) Simon, Vickie (Chris) Loken, Edward Martin and Cliff Martin; 2 step-grandchildren: Dave (Sarah) Fritzke, Sharon (Kai) Kroll; 17 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Harvey and Roger Ellert; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; 3 sisters: Florence Strom, Gladys Johnson, Lila Gonsowski; 3 brothers: Ardys, Verlyn and Roy Ellert.

Dorothy passed away with her family by her side on Sunday afternoon, August 8, 2010, at Trinity Health Care Center in Farmington, at the age of 88. She was 6 days short of her 89th birthday.

Services will be 11AM Thursday, August 12, 2010, at Christiania Lutheran Church in rural Lakeville with Rev. Dave Mesaros officiating. Interment will be in East Christiania Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8PM Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at Christiania Lutheran Church and will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff and the Trinity Care Center.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.