Dorothy Rose (Schnell) Gerson

Dorothy Rose Gerson, age 100 of Stillwater, died peacefully on August 21, 2022. She was born in Nunda, South Dakota on November 25, 1921 to Christine and Anthony Schnell. Dorothy and her family moved to Stillwater where she graduated from high school. Her first employment was with Connolly Shoe Company where she worked for over twenty- six years. After that she worked as the City Clerk for Stillwater for over sixteen years.

Her passion for serving the Church of St. Michael began with volunteering in 1956. She was finally put on the payroll in 1972 serving in various financial and secretarial roles. She finally retired after 55 years in 2011. Her fierce dedication continued through her work with the Council of Catholic Women where she remained active until recently.

Dorothy was also a volunteer within the community where she was involved with Community Volunteer Services, Stillwater City Charter Commission, Washington County Historical Society, Lakeview Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and Relay for Life, and Meals on Wheels.

In 2008 she was awarded the Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. This Medal of Honor is given for distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Papacy. She was most deserved of this and humbled by it.

Dorothy is survived by brother, Jerome Schnell of Port Townsend, Washington; sisters, Josephine Becker, Jeannine (Craig) Hoffbeck, both of Stillwater; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great- nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom; siblings, Agnes Burgess, Marguerite Gedatus, Mary McCoy, Thomas Schnell, Raymond Schnell, and Elizabeth Herbert.

The family would like to thank the Good Samaritan Society for their loving care of Dorothy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022 at the Church of St. Michael, 623 S 3rd St., Stillwater, MN 55082 with visitation one hour prior to the Mass. Burial at Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Stillwater.

Memorials preferred to the Church of St. Michael or donor's choice.

May God bless the memory of Dorothy Rose Gerson.

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