Dorothy Elizabeth Roskens

Dorothy Elizabeth Schueneman was born June 18, 1916, to Gustav and Wilhelmina Schueneman on a farm northwest of Spencer. She was baptized and confirmed a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, later known as First English Lutheran Church in Spencer. She attended the Spencer Public School and later graduated from Storm Lake Public High School with a Normal Training Certificate. Prior to her marriage, she taught country school for five enjoyable years in the Spencer-Everly area. Dorothy was married to Edward B. Roskens on June 2, 1939, in Spencer, Iowa. They were the last couple married in the old church prior to the move to the present location of FELC. For over 40 years, they farmed in the Everly, Spencer, and Milford/Terril areas before building a new home in Milford. These communities were always very special to Dorothy and Ed. Throughout the years, Dorothy was very active in her church and the community. At First English, she served as both Sunday School and Bible School teacher, held various positions in the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) and served on the Library Board for many years. In the community, she was involved with the 4-H, the PTA in both Spencer and Terril, the Terril Semper Fidelis Club, the Iowa Federated Women's Club and the Republican Women's Club, as well as participating in the fund drives for the American Red Cross and Heart and Cancer Research. She enjoyed being part of card groups and baking items for others, especially caramel rolls. A cup of coffee and cookie or bar was a must as she so enjoyed being a hostess. During the four years she lived at Riverview Terrace, she was a member of the Hands of Harmony bell choir and loved "going on tour". Dorothy loved to interact with people and always had a willing smile for helping out and contributing. She valued friends, family, and social relationships. School sporting events and musicals were attended wherever possible. Her greatest devotion, however, was to her family and the church. Dorothy's husband of 53 years, Edward, died in 1992. Her parents, Gustav and Wilhelmina Schueneman; sisters, Lyla Strobel, Elsie Pothast, Esther Schueneman, Ruby Groen; and a brother, Leo Schueneman, also precede her in death. Dorothy is survived by her three sons, Thomas and his wife, Judy, of Crystal Lake, IL, Robert and his wife, Linda, of Chapman, KS, Roger and his wife, Brenda, of Muscatine, IA, a daughter, Kathryn (Kae) Roti and her husband, Tom, of Spencer, IA. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, who are scattered throughout the U.S. in Chicago, Kansas City and Columbia, MI, Hutchinson, KS, Houstonville, KY, Dallas, TX, Ames and Dubuque, IA and three great-grandchildren. Additionally, Dorothy is survived by many other friends and relatives who have celebrated their lives together. Memorials may be given to the First English Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

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