Dorotha M. Ohlsen

Dorotha M. Ohlsen, age 95, of Nisswa, MN, formerly of Park Rapids, MN and Mandan, ND, peacefully passed into eternity on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Hills Crossing Senior Community in Nisswa, MN. Dorotha was born on May 3, 1920 in Perham, Oklahoma to Joseph and Mayme (Nutt) Gautier. As a child she moved with her family to Kansas City, MO where she grew up and attended public school, graduating from Northeast High School with the Class of 1938. She went on to attend the University of Oklahoma at Norman where she studied art and journalism. She was united in marriage to Ferd Ohlsen on October 28, 1939 in Kansas City. They were blessed with two sons: John and Richard and a daughter, Jan. The young couple made their home in Kansas City until 1954 when they ventured north to Mandan, ND. Dorotha devoted her life to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. As her children grew older, Dorotha gained employment with L&H Manufacturing in Mandan and later in the advertising department of the Mandan Pioneer Newspaper. In the mid-1960’s, Dorotha started a ceramics business called, “Dorotha’s Ceramic Supply” which she operated until the mid-1980’s. In 1988, Dorotha and Ferd retired to Park Rapids, MN where Dorotha was an active member of the Riverside United Methodist Church. She was an active member of the PEO in both Mandan and Park Rapids and had served as a deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Mandan. She will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Jan (Keith) Betscher of West Chester, Ohio, John (Linda) Ohlsen of Mandan, ND and Richard (Linda) Ohlsen of Brainerd; eight grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Dorotha was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ferd. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Monday, January 18, 2016 with graveside services to be held Monday, May 30, 2016 at the Mandan Union Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com