Date of Birth:
Saturday, November 26, 1927
Date of Death:
Monday, February 2, 2026
Age:
98 years old

Dorothy E. Stellpflug

Dorothy Elizabeth Stellpflug, affectionately known as “Dolly” or “Dot,” passed away with loving care given by Jodi, Ginny and Barb, at her home on February 2, 2026, at the age of 98.

Dorothy was born on November 26, 1927, in Mantorville, Minnesota, to Donald and Belle (Posey) Van Allen. She graduated from Byron High School in 1945 and was the last surviving graduate of her class.

For many decades, Dorothy worked as a waitress, a role perfectly suited to her social nature. She loved visiting with people, sharing stories, and, most of all, laughing. Her sharp wit, feisty attitude, and sassy honesty meant you always knew exactly what she was thinking, and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

On October 5, 1964, Dorothy was united in marriage to Joseph Stellpflug, and together they raised ten children. She expressed her love through her cooking, creating favorite meals and cherished recipes that she happily shared with family and friends. She especially loved hosting holidays, filling her home with food, laughter, and togetherness.

Dorothy enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, watching old westerns, with Gunsmoke being her favorite, spending time outdoors, and fishing in her younger years. She loved traveling, especially her trips to Florida and her many casino adventures, where she could often be found happily playing slot machines. She also enjoyed playing cards and board games. She was also a proud member of the Rochester Eagles Club.

Strong, hardworking, and fiercely resilient, Dorothy endured profound loss throughout her life, including the heartbreaking loss of six of her children and her husband, yet she continued forward with strength, grit, and an unbreakable spirit.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Andrea “Andi” (Scott) Drake of Pequot Lakes, MN; Butch (Mary) Erath of Rochester; Jim (Wendy) Stellpflug of White Bear Lake, MN; and Jodi (Brian) Ross of Rochester. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Miguel, Lisa, Amber, Gary, Christie, Jackie, Shane, Kristina, Eli, Todd, David, Tara, Joshua, Jeremy, Jessica, Debbie, Shelby, Allie, Gabby, Sydney, Joseph, and Connor; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Stellpflug; daughters Debbie, Terri, and Toni; sons Bob, Mike, and Don; and her siblings Jim, Hazel, Clinton, and Helen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Father Luis Vargas will be the celebrant with burial to follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens.