Dorothy "Marie" Kleinschmidt

Dorothy Marie Kleinschmidt, age 82, passed away on February 14, 2015 at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, NE.

Marie was born to Pete and Dorothy Dickman in Penrose, CO. She grew up with a view of Pike's Peak and loved the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Marie graduated from Penrose High School in 1950 and was involved in 4-H from elementary through high school winning many state and national awards. Years of piano lessons helped her develop a lifelong appreciation of music.

Marie attended Colorado State University in Ft Collins, CO graduating with distinction in May 1954 with a teaching certificate. She and her five college roommates kept in close contact over the years, celebrating a 50 year college graduation reunion in 2004. Marie taught one year in Palisade, NE, then moved to Stratton, NE where she taught history and general science for three years.

On April 20, 1957 she married Gene Kleinschmidt in Penrose, CO. They farmed east of Stratton, NE for 50 years before retiring and moving to McCook, NE. Marie helped feed the orphan lambs and assisted with the evening irrigating for many years followed by a drive around the farm to check for wildlife. Marie and Gene were very involved in their three daughters’ lives and activities. Marie was active with the Stratton Band Parents, was a 4-H leader, and was always providing items for any bake sale or fund raising event in the community.

Marie was on the Stratton Library Board and a member of the United Methodist Church in Stratton, where she taught the women’s Sunday School class for over 20 years, was involved in the United Methodist Women, and helped with many Vacation Bible Schools. Marie gave piano and organ lessons and she played the organ for numerous local weddings and funerals over the years.

Her eleven grandkids called her “Grandma K”. She loved to ask them all kinds of questions and stay connected to each one. Marie enjoyed photography, was a Husker fan and liked to talk football with her grandkids. She was very patriotic and loved America. She liked to stop at historical markers and she was always learning more herself and passing that knowledge on to her grandkids. She enjoyed researching Biblical history and reading and studying the Bible.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene of 57 years, and her brother-in-law Bill (Betty) Kleinschmidt. Marie is survived by her brother Ralph (Sharon) Dickman of Penrose, CO, and three daughters and their husbands. Ann Cisar (Vince) of Longmont; CO, Susan Hardin (Ben) of McCook; and Nancy Wach (Loran) of Hayes Center and eleven grandchildren. Isaac Cisar, Emma Cisar, Ryan ( Sarah) Hardin, Ethan (Kelsey) Hardin, Betsy Hardin, Molly Hardin, USAF Lieutenant Lance Wach, Alex Wach, Larissa Wach, Andrea Wach, and Wesley Wach.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in McCook, NE at the McCook Christian Church on Saturday, February 21st at 1:30 pm CST. Pastor Clark Bates officiating. Everyone is invited for ice cream sundaes following the service.

A private family Inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Stratton NE. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International or your favorite charity.