Dorothy Jane Swenson (Tuntland), Spirit Lake, passed away January 17, 2020, at Avera McKennan hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was born in that same hospital on March 3, 1944. Dorothy received her education at Canton High school and the University of Sioux Falls. She taught elementary students in Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Clearwater, Florida. From 1982-2004 she taught first grade in Terril, Iowa. After she retired, Dorothy especially enjoyed helping with activities at her church and preschool; feeding all the birds and small animals in her yard, and going for walks with Pearl, her special dog pal. Although Dorothy had no children of her own, she loved keeping in touch with former students, and her nieces and nephews. She was Godmother to nieces Stella Tuntland, Andra and Jacque Huiner, and friend Jenny Hoffman.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Marcella Tuntland of Beresford, South Dakota, and special friends, Cathy and Wayne Hoffman of Motley, Minnesota. Dorothy suffered from a number of very serious health issues that slowed her down this past decade. She never complained about her lot in life or how it had affected her. She did, however, often talk about how much she appreciated the help, support, patience and love she received from her friends, neighbors, colleagues, business and church connections in and around the Spirit Lake area. Thank you from all of her family.
She is survived by her brother Paul (Kathie Fox) Tuntland of Brookings and their children Dereck (Katie Medema), Jacqueline Huiner, and Brock Tuntland; and brother David (Linda Rogness)Tuntland, and their children – Jarrod, Jordan, and Justin Tuntland, Canton SD. She will be missed by many in this area, as well as her family and her adopted family- Julie, Jenny, and Justin Hoffman, Motley MN.
A Memorial Prayer Service will be held at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Spirit Lake on Sunday, January 26, at 3:00. Memories or messages may also be sent to Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, South Dakota. No flowers please. Dorothy asked that Memorials be directed to the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa, 607 28th Street, Milford, IA 51351 or a charity of your choice.