Dorothy Eileen Shockley

Dorothy Eileen (Vreeman) Slagter Shockley, 85, of Willmar, went to her Heavenly home on Friday, November 5th at New Ulm Medical Center. Her celebration of life service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 16th at The Word of Faith Family Church in Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Monday, November 15th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to her service. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. www.hafh.org 

Dorothy Eileen (Vreeman) Slagter Shockley was born January 17, 1936, to John and Julia (Hollander) Vreeman in Sioux Center, IA. They moved to Murdock where she graduated from high school in 1953. Dorothy was named “Miss Murdock.” She continued her education at Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute, where she studied Cosmetology. Dorothy moved to Danube and started working part time as a beautician in Renville and Olivia. On March 10, 1956, Dorothy was united in marriage to Harvey Slagter. This union was blessed with four children: Jeff, Sue, Jim and Sandy. Harvey passed away on February 1, 2006. Dorothy later met Martin Willis Shockley at The Word of Faith Family Church and they were united in marriage on February 17, 2008, at The Word of Faith Family Church. Dorothy was active at the church where she was a founding member, she helped with Sunday school, led bible study at the church and at many nursing homes playing the piano. Dorothy became an ordained Pastor and even officiated a few weddings. Dorothy loved sharing her faith for the Lord. She was a great seamstress and enjoyed going to any event that her children or grandchildren were involved in. Dorothy and Martin enjoyed traveling, they went on a cruise to Cozumel, Belize and Alaska as well as all over the US. Most of all Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Dorothy was also more than willing to help out where needed and was a great blessing to many people. Dorothy was crowned 1981 Minnesota Mother of the Year. She enjoyed playing the piano especially Star of the East, and also making many Kwik Trips.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Martin Willis Shockley; children: Jeff (Robin) Slagter of Raymond, Sue (Joel) Johnson of Ethel, WA, Jim (Rose) Slagter of Willmar, and Sandy (Robert) Knitt of Oshkosh, WI; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Fran TerWisscha of Lynden, WA, Marvin (Ruby) Vreeman of Willmar, Joan Rens of Sioux Center, IA, Marlys (Dale) VandeReit of Wahkon, John (Linda) Vreeman of Maple Grove; as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband: Harvey Slagter; and siblings: Garrett in infancy, Gerald, Dennis, Clayton and Gladys.

Blessed be Dorothy’s memory.

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