Dorothy (Hofer) Preheim, 92
Dorothy Agnes (Hofer) Preheim, 92, died Nov. 18, 2023.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Salem Mennonite (South) Church of rural Freeman. Visitation with the family present will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. A luncheon and fellowship time will follow the service. There will be a private family burial.
The service will be livestreamed on the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/@SouthChurchSD
Dorothy was born on Oct. 3, 1931 on a farm near Bridgewater, S.D. to John J.R. and Anna J. Hofer. Dorothy graduated from Bridgewater High School and Freeman Junior College. She was an elementary school teacher for six years.
On Aug. 3, 1948 she was baptized and became a member of the Salem M.B. Church of Bridgewater. Dorothy had accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age.
Dorothy and Calvin J. Preheim were married on June 5, 1956. They lived on the family farm for 51 years while raising their children: Jill, Ross and Todd. Dorothy joined the Salem Mennonite Church of rural Freeman, S.D., where she sang in the choir, was church bulletin secretary, taught Sunday school, was librarian, and served on committees with Women in Missions.
After years of helping with farming, the antique business, and furniture refinishing, Dorothy began part-time employment as a cook at the Salem Mennonite Home.
Dorothy enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, reading, writing letters, volunteering at the Et Cetera Shoppe, and going fishing with her husband. She also loved spending time with her family. One of her greatest concerns was for their spiritual welfare.
On Feb. 1, 2007 Dorothy and Calvin left their home on the farm and moved to Village Estate Apartments in Freeman. Calvin died Dec. 23, 2014. Oakview Terrace became home for Dorothy from March 13, 2023 until her death.
Dorothy is survived by her loving children: Jill Zerger and husband, Dick of Moundridge, Kan.; Ross Preheim and partner, Laurie Folz of St. Louis Park, Minn.; Todd Preheim and wife, Carmen of Tea, S.D.; five grandchildren: Jessica Preheim (Lena Laurenzo) of Texas, Melinda Graber of Kansas, Micah Graber of Kansas, Ashley (Mason) Tennigkeit of Iowa, and Daniel Preheim of South Dakota; two step-granddaughters: Katrina Zerger of New York and Arielle Zerger of Indiana; two great-grandsons: Ryder Tennigkeit and Luca Laurenzo; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband and parents; five brothers and spouses: Eli (Justina), Sam, Peter (Pearl), David, and John Hofer; three sisters and spouses: Becky (Paul) Walter, Mary Hofer, and Sarah (Glen) Halsey; father and mother in-law: Henry J. and Ella Preheim; sister and brother-in-laws: Bernice (Glen) Kramer and Verona (Robert) Rock; and grandson, Matthew Graber.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Salem Mennonite (South) Church or a donation of choice.
