Dorothy was born November 30, 1922, in Michigan, North Dakota, the daughter of Alex and Bella (Opstad) Wasdahl. She graduated from Cogswell High School in 1939 and attended NDSSS in Wahpeton. She worked at IDS in Minneapolis and was united in marriage to Bayard Lewis on September 23, 1942, in Petaluma, California. When Bayard was shipped overseas during WWII, Dorothy returned to Cogswell to live. After the war the couple lived in Barney, Milnor, and Grand Forks, ND. Bayard entered Law School in Grand Forks, and Dorothy worked for the University of North Dakota. The couple moved to Wahpeton in 1955, where they raised their seven children and have since resided.
Dorothy was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Ladies? Circle, choir, Bible studies, and Stephen Ministries. She also was involved with Christian Women?s Club. She enjoyed music, reading, socializing, and was involved with area politics.
She will be remembered as a loving wife, caring mother, faithful friend, active Christian, and an avid community volunteer.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bayard Lewis, Wahpeton; children, Gary (Sue) Lewis, Madison, WI; Linda (Dale) Parenteau, Rush City, MN; Jay Lewis, Warrenton, VA; Gail Lewis, Centerville, MN; Robert (Heidi) Lewis, North St. Paul, MN; James (Vi) Lewis, Houston, TX; 13 GC, 4 GGC, her sister, Sylvia (Charles) Flaa, Wayzata, MN; and her brother, Richard Wasdahl, Carterville, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, three sisters, and her daughter, Julie Peters.