Dorothy Margaret Baldry

Dorothy Baldry, age 96, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Dorothy Baldry was born, Dorothy Rinke in 1928 near Dumont, Minnesota to Arthur and Erna (Walz) Rinke. She had four sisters and two brothers. Following high school graduation in 1945, she attended Moorhead State University, majoring in elementary education. She taught first grade at Starbuck, Minnesota prior to her marriage to Kenny Baldry in 1949. They had five sons: Kent, Kurt, Mark, Dean and Karl.

Dorothy was very active in her community including being a Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader, and circle leader. She was also involved in church choir, the Senior Citizen’s Board, Legion and Hospital Auxiliaries, Christian Women’s group, the Welfare Board, the American Cancer Society and Luther Island Camp. Dorothy had many interests: quilting, vegetable gardening and cooking/baking. Who didn’t love her tea rings?!! She was also well known for her sewing skills- patching the family’s worn-out jeans. Dorothy enjoyed all of her many grandchildren, she was her “boys” sports trainer, cheer leader, bus driver and bleacher coach.

Dorothy is survived by her sons: Kent (Gwen); Kurt (Vicki); Mark (Susan); Dean (Dana); and Karl (Jeanne); siblings: Eileen Honzo; Willie (Mary) Rinke; Audry Jackson; Orval (Sara Lee) Rinke; Helen Eastwood; and Mary Lou (Harry) Olson; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth; and great-grandsons: Gaven Baldry and Harrison Hebrink.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Dan Gifford officiating. Organist will be Theresa Thiel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Interment will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, rural Wheaton. Pallbearers will be Dorothy’s grandkids.