Dorothy Homstad

Dorothy Grace Homstad (“Dottie”), 94, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother peacefully entered eternal life on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in Arlington, Texas.

Private memorial services will be held at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls, MN. She will lay in final rest next to the love of her life, her husband, Morris (“Tippy”) Milton Homstad, who was a decorated WWII veteran and retired field officer for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Dorothy was born on August 24, 1926 in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. She was the only child of parents Gladys Viola and Blaine Chauncey Baird (Mayor of Cannon Falls for 17 years). Dottie remained connected to her hometown throughout her life. She attended all of her high-school reunions, maintaining and enjoying many life-long friends. She loved to tell the story about playing the lead role of Emily in her high school’s production of “Our Town”. She married Tippy December 20, 1946 shortly after he returned from WWII. They were devoted to each for 49 years. Tippy’s Border Patrol and criminal investigation work required the family to move every two to four years so Dottie became an expert homemaker and made every house a home. The couple was blessed with three daughters born in three different states, Susan, Jane and Julie.

Aside from caring for her family Dottie had been a beautician, Girl Scout leader, was involved in the PTA and was a state political delegate. She enjoyed going on trips and traveled the U.S. and Europe. Visiting and revisiting National Parks was a favorite.  Dottie loved history, her country, reading and writing. She resided the longest in Burnsville, MN (32 years) then moved to Texas 18 years after Tippy’s retirement and remained in Texas until her death.

Dottie had a strong faith in God and participated in Bible studies regularly. She was an active member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and later at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lago Vista, Texas. She will be remembered as a wonderful caregiver, a good wife and mother, always loving of her husband and family. Her friendliness, kindness and goodness touched everyone she met. She was very social and charming, always looking her best and enjoyed having tea and sweets while visiting with friends and family. She loved singing and listening to her sweetheart play piano, banjo and read poetry to her. She also loved flowers and pink was her favorite color. Two of her favorite songs were “Tennessee Waltz” and “How Great Thou Art”. Her favorite poem was “Grow Old Along With Me!” by Robert Browning. Her favorite movie was “Gone With The Wind”, favorite phrase “This too shall pass”.

Preceded in death by her husband Morris. Survived by daughters Susan Carpenter (Carl), Jane Rondeau (Jeff), Julie Hall; granddaughters Lisa House (Shaun), Cynthia Carpenter, Whitney Smelzer (Rex); grandsons Nathan McLain (Annalise), Arick Rondeau, William Hall, Weston Hall; great-grandson Peyton Quinn, and great-granddaughter Kaitlyn Quinn.