Dorothy Proell

Dorothy J. Proell, age 94 of Sauk Centre passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 25, 2016 at Galeon Senior Living Community in Osakis, Minnesota.

Dorothy June Traeger was born June 3, 1922 at the McCormick Lake Farm near Sauk Centre to Leo and Olga (Serley) Traeger. On June 9, 1922, she was baptized by Rev. John Fearon in Church of Our Lady of the Angels, Sauk Centre.

Dorothy attended school in rural Westport, MN, graduating from Elementary in 1936. On April 15, 1941 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Proell at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. To this union seven children were born.

Dorothy loved being outside with her animals, planting flowers and caring for a large vegetable garden. She also could cook up a meal for many on short notice! Playing cards was something she truly enjoyed - if she wasn't playing cards with her family she was playing in a card club. She participated in a Ladies Card Club and the Couples Club with her husband, Ray for over 50 years with the Ecklunds, Buelows, and Guelsows. Dorothy is the last to join this Card Club in heaven.

Together, Dorothy and Ray had the opportunity to operate the Rainbow Lodge and later the Red Barn Resort - both located on Sauk Lake. She enjoyed cooking for their guests and taking good care of the resort properties. Farming took Dorothy and Ray from Sauk Centre to Clarissa. While farming there, Dorothy's life partner and husband of 52 years died. Returning to Sauk Centre, Dorothy bought a home in town, but it wasn't for her! She was a country gal. Her youngest son, Ken and his wife, Liz created a mother-in-law's apartment in the lower level of their home just for her. Once again, she could have her gardens and animals.

Dorothy loved her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. They knew she always had toys to play with and candy to spoil their appetites!

She will be deeply missed by her children and their spouses, Tim (Kitty) Proell, Michael (Bekka) Proell, Judy (Arvin) Wolbeck, and Ken (Liz) Proell all of Sauk Centre, Donald (Jane) Proell of South Carolina, Donna (Dennis) Niemi of South Haven, and Cindy (Ken) Ostendorf of Little Falls, MN as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ray on November 25, 1992; parents, Leo and Olga Traeger; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Christine Proell.

A family graveside service led by Father Greg Paffel will be held in Greenwood Cemetery so she can be laid to rest beside her sweetheart.

Dorothy's family would like to say thank you to all who have been alongside of us caring for Mom these past three years. The Galeon -- for the wonderful care and love they have given her. Hospice of Douglas County - you have been wonderful in helping Mom and us prepare for her new journey. . . We thank you.