Dorothy Rothermel

Dorothy Ann Hodde Rothermel, age 91, passed away on October 17, 2020.

She was born August 24, 1929, in Brenham, Texas, the daughter of Henry F. and Lena Knipstein Hodde. Baptized December 21, 1929 and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Brenham, Texas.

She attended Brenham Public Schools and graduated from Brenham High School on May 30, 1947. She attended San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, taking courses in Office Careers.

She became active in community affairs in every city she resided. Her first employment was salesclerk at Brenham Perry Brothers during summers and her Junior and Senior class school years. Salesclerk at Surer’s Dress Shop in San Marcos, Texas from 1947 to 1949. She was a housewife and mother for her children for 15 years before entering the work force, an Avon Representative and employed at Joske’s receiving and shipping department and Joske’s Upholstery and Drapery Department as Receptionist, Walker Supply Company’s, Pasadena, Texas as Office assistant, Shell Oil Information Service Center, Shell Oil, Deer Park Plant as Office Assistant at Shell Docks until her retirement moving back to Brenham in 1981.

She is a life member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #48 and VFW Auxiliary Unit #7104. She was very active in American Legion Auxiliary as President of Ganado Unit #346, 9th District President and Vice President, State Poppy Chairman, State Junior Membership chairman and State Civil Defense Chairman 1962-1965. Membership in AARP, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Brazos Valley Board of Aging, First Citizen Police Academy Class graduate April 25, 1991 and a continuous member, associate member of Brenham Louise Giddings Retired Teachers Association, associate member of Central Texas Shell Retirees, SHAPE Board member, Organizer and President of Brenham High School Classes of the1940’s, County F C..E. Association (lunch and learn) member and Brazos Valley Development Council on Aging. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, serving on money counter team, Ladies Aid member, server for funerals, guest attendant register, visiting nursing homes.

Dorothy Ann believed that to serve others was her chief purpose in life. Her radiant smile was her calling card making friends easily, for she never met a stranger. She loved everyone and knew GOD created everyone equal.

On August 24, 1947, she married James D. Rothermel at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas.

She is survived by sons and daughter in laws: James Jr. and wife Cindy Clemons of Alvin, Texas, and Donald H and wife Debbie Laufman of Houston, Texas, and Arlette Baudat (Mother to Matthew Rothermel and Megan Kaup) of Dickinson, TX.

Grand children: Matthew and Rachel Rothermel of Deer Park Texas and, Megan and Paul Kaup of League City, Texas, Bailleux and Stacy Rothermel of Ramstein Germany, Abraham Rothermel and Hannah Svoboda of Houston Texas, and Nathaniel Rothermel of College Station Texas, Step-Grandson Chaz Clemons and Daelynn Clemons of Alvin, Texas.

Great Grandchildren PJ and Lincoln Kaup, Abigail and Madison Ashley, Daecie and Jadyn Clemons, and James Ramon Rothermel expected January 3, 2021 (in Germany).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 303 W. Third Street, Brenham, Texas 77833 Senior Activity Center 1301 E. Tom Green St., Brenham 77833 Brazos Valley Hospice 302 E. Blue Bell Road Brenham 77833.

Visitation will be held October 22, 2020 with family 5pm - 7pm, viewing will be all day Thursday.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and will begin at 11 AM on October 23, 2020 with a family graveside to follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Mask will be required at funeral home and strongly encouraged by St. Paul’s Church.

Due to COVID-19 we will be postponing the celebration of her life until next spring.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.

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