Karnik, Dorothy

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Dorothy Karnik, age 75, formerly of Hector, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bird Island.

Interment in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in rural Kandiyohi.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 8 p.m. at the Hughes Funeral Home in Hector, with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service.

Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Dorothy Ann Karnik was born August 4, 1934, in New Ulm, Minnesota, the daughter of Raymond and Mary (Shaughnessy) Stimpert. She grew up in Springfield, and graduated from the Springfield High School in 1953. During high school, she worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone as an operator, and following graduation she was employed by Kraft in New Ulm.

On February 19, 1957, Dorothy married George Karnik in Springfield. After living in Bird Island, they made Hector their home in 1962, and were blessed with four children, Steve, Susan, Sheri, and Bob. Dorothy worked for Eisleines in Bird Island. She worked for the dentist Dr. Fredell in Hector, and also for the chiropractor Dr. Rude. While George was the Commander of the American Legion in Hector, Dorothy helped him manage the Legion Club. During her working career, she also was employed by the Buffalo Lake Nursing Home as an aide for one year. In 1979, George and Dorothy moved to their home on Diamond Lake. George passed away on February 21, 2002, and Dorothy moved to Grove City, and then to Bird Island. She loved to bake, cook, read, fish, play cards, and go camping.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Steven Karnik and wife Carolyn of Hector, Susan Billmeier and husband Randall of Bird Island, Sheri Bergstrom and husband John of Grove City, and Robert Karnik (Chris) of Glenwood; grandchildren: Jennifer Abrahamson, Brandon Karnik, Lynn Hillemeier, Lucas Billmeier, Stacey Billmeier, Tracey Billmeier, Ryne Bergstrom, Spencer Bergstrom, Brennen Bergstrom, Breanna Bergstrom, and Rachel Karnik; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings: Dick (Bobbi) Stimpert of Simi Valley, California, Jane (Larry) Peichel of Sleepy Eye, and Tom Stimpert of the Twin Cities, Minnesota; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, and sister Donna Moralez.