Dorothy Dostal

There is much that can be said about the life of Dorothy Dostal, but it was the way in which she traversed her daily walk that resonates the loudest in the symphony of her life. She was a constant support to her husband, a champion for her children, and a true reflection of what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Although life was not without adversity for Dorothy, her faith remained steadfast and her feet remained firmly rooted in the journey she was given each day. A woman who could find joy in even the simplest of things, Dorothy enjoyed every last drop of life that was bestowed upon her. Dorothy was a woman who gave of herself freely without expecting anything in return and in doing so, she created a legacy rich in faith, compassion, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow her.

In 1930, America fell deeper into the depths of the Great Depression as countless families continued to lose their jobs, their homes, and their dreams for the future, too. Conditions were worse in farming areas, where commodity prices plunged, and in mining and logging areas, where unemployment was high and there were few other jobs. There was reason to celebrate, however, in the family of Evar and Lila (Cooper) Carlson as they welcomed their daughter, Dorothy Ellen, into their lives on October 28, 1930. Born in Amber Township located within Mason County, Michigan, Dorothy was the second of six children in her family. Her parents operated Amber Station, a store right across from Amber School. As a young girl, Dorothy enjoyed ice skating, riding horses, and keeping up with her siblings.

For her education, Dorothy attended local schools including Scottville High School and it was during her senior year that she met the young man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Herbert Dostal and they met while on a hayride. Upon their first encounter, Dorothy thought him to be a bit rude and arrogant, but something about Dorothy captured his attention. Life continued on for Dorothy, she graduated from high school in 1949, and found work at Stokely’s Bean Plant, at Star Watch Case, and for local farmers picking produce. Also during this time, the young Herbert continued to pursue Dorothy tirelessly. Over time, he managed to win her heart and the couple married on October 20, 1951, in New Haven, Connecticut, where he was stationed while in the Air Force. As a young bride, Dorothy supported her husband while he fulfilled his time in the military, working for the Winchester Arms Company in Connecticut.

Once her husband was once again a civilian, Dorothy continued to support him as he pursued his education, eventually earning his doctorate degree from Michigan State University. Together Dorothy and Herbert were blessed with six children: Debbie, David, Douglas, Derek, Dean, and Drew. The family eventually settled in Lafayette, Indiana, where Herbert taught at Purdue University while Dorothy had more than enough to keep her busy at home. She loved being a mother, giving her children both the roots and wings they needed while encouraging them to find their own individuality in the process.

Trying times were in store for Dorothy following the death of their son, David, in 1969 after battling with leukemia. She was a woman of unwavering strength throughout the weeks and months that followed, caring for her family and even returning to the work force in order to help make ends meet. Dorothy taught herself how to type and began working for local physicians, first doing clerical work and later becoming an EKG technician. She eventually ran the EKG room at Arnett Clinic in Lafayette, earning the respect of the physicians she worked for. Dorothy’s motto was “never let them see you sweat” as even when times were at their toughest, she became a rock.

In 1976, Dorothy and Herbert renewed their vows to one another and later moved to Colfax, Washington, in 1981 for Herbert’s work. She didn’t care for living in Washington at all and was more than happy to return to Scottville in 1985. Herbert worked in Indiana, but returned home to Scottville on the weekends.

Those who knew Dorothy knew that she was a woman of great strength as she was strong in her faith, strong in her moral principles, and strong in her unending love for her family. She cared deeply for those in her presence, whether family or friends, and was protective of them, much like a mother bear protects her cubs.

There were so many things that made Dorothy such a gift to those around her. She gave of herself to her church and her community, but always behind the scenes. Dorothy loved spending time with her friends in Bible studies, and she also loved to play games and cards as well as going golfing and bowling. She enjoyed life and found joy in simple things, maintaining her sense of humor until the end.

Dorothy Dostal was a woman of strength coupled with a timeless grace that few possess in today’s world. She was a lover of life who taught others to dance whenever they were able and to enjoy the music along the way. Dorothy always remained positive no matter what was happening around her, and would sacrifice everything for others. A woman whose faith was both the shelter from the storms of life and the melody of her song, Dorothy considered her roles as a wife and mother to be both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Dorothy Ellen Dostal died peacefully at the home of her daughter Debbie on Sunday, August 15, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Herbert, in 2008, her son, David, in 1969, and her brothers, Eugene Carlson and Donald Carlson. Dorothy will be greatly missed daily by her children, Debbie Biggs and her husband Robert of Roanoke, Texas, Douglas Dostal and his wife Tanya of Custer, WA, Derek Dostal and his wife Larisa of Scottville, Dean Dostal and his wife Sharon of Ludington, and Drew Dostal and his wife Dena of Scottville; 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; her sisters and brother, Eldonna Carlson of Muskegon, Theodore Carlson of Portland, OR, and Catherine Gilchrist of Scottville; and her nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Dorothy at 11 AM on Tuesday, August 24th at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville. Burial will take place at Rickey Cemetery in Amber Township next to her husband and son. Friends and family are invited to meet with her family for a time of visitation on Monday evening, August 23rd from 4 – 7 PM at the funeral home. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, or Hospice. Please visit Dorothy’s personal memory page at www.stephensfuneralhome.net to sign her guest book or to leave a memory of Dorothy for her family.