Archived Services

Dorothy F. Roberts-Engelbrecht
04-24-2010

Dorothy F. Roberts Engelbrecht passed away on April 24, 2010 in her home at The Inn on Westport, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dorothy Fern Donley was born to Thomas and Frances (McKercher) Donley on January 3, 1920 on the family farm near Melham in Clark County, SD. She attended grade school in Melham and graduated in 1938 from Washington High School in Sioux Falls. She worked as a secretary for American News and Dr. Pepper Bottling Company following graduation. On September 17, 1938 in Luverne, Minnesota, Dorothy and Kenneth R. Roberts were united in marriage. They lived in Sioux Falls, raising their four children until 1954 when Ken's job took the family to Yankton. The following year they purchased City Cab Company and in 1959 purchased Dot's DX Service Station. Ken passed away November 8, 1959 and Dorothy continued to run both businesses until 1967. She married Irvin O. Engelbrecht on April 19, 1963. In 1968 they sold both businesses and moved to Wausa, NE. Irv passed away on May 28th, 1994. Dorothy continued to live in her home until 2003, when she moved to the Countryside Villa in Wausa. In 2009 she moved to Sioux Falls where she resided at Good Samaritan Village and The Inn on Westport. Dorothy was very active in a variety of organizations throughout her life In 1969 she joined the United Methodist Church in Wausa where she served as Chairperson on the Church Board and kept the Church records until 2001. She was an active member and past president of UMW. Dorothy was a member of Eastern Star for over 49 years, serving as Worthy Matron three times, secretary for 19 years and additional other offices. She was also a Grand Representative at Grand Chapter for two years. Dorothy was involved with the annual Wausa Smorgasbord for many years, serving one year as Chairperson. She was also a member of the Shrine Auxiliary in Sioux Falls. She served as Chairperson of the 3rd District Auxiliary members of the Rural Mail Carriers Association for five years and attended state, county and national conventions. In 1968, Dorothy was named Outstanding Auxiliary Member for Nebraska and was honored at the National Convention. She loved family, emailing, music, reading, dancing, puzzles, and playing cards. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, brothers LuVerne, Harry, Jack and Tom Donley, sisters Agnes Trent, Lois Tibke, Terry Greene, Stella Sorenson and grandson James Magorien. Dorothy is survived by her children Kay (Kerry) Kasulka, Sioux Falls; Diane (Bill) Tschetter, Keystone, SD; Thomas (Linda) Roberts, Sioux Falls; James (Connie) Roberts, Sioux Falls; Irvin (Peggy) Engelbrecht, Jr, Lufkin, TX; 20 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter; sisters-in-law Carolyn Jorgensen, Miriam Engelbrecht, brothers-in-law Lawrence Sorenson and Roger Tibke plus numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Tuesday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with family present at 6 PM and a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, 11 AM at United Methodist Church in Wausa, NE.