Dorothy Maria (Schlecht) Nelson

With her children by her side, Dorothy Nelson of Lovell Wyoming passed away peacefully, on February 25, 2025, at Oxford Grand Living Center in McKinney Texas. Dorothy was born in Fredonia North Dakota on August 31, 1938, to Jacob and Esther Schlecht. At a young age Dorothy moved to Aberdeen South Dakota with her mother and siblings, where she grew up and attended school. It was in Aberdeen where she met the love of her life, Richard Nelson. They were married on November 3, 1956, and to this union brought 4 children: Stuart, David, Patsy and Susan.

In 1965, the family moved from Aberdeen to Cowley Wyoming, then moving to Lovell Wyoming in 1967. Dorothy lived in Lovell until October 2023 then she moved into Oxford Grand Living Center in McKinney Texas.

While raising her family in Lovell, Dorothy worked for Dr. Henry Eskens, Big Horn County Public Health and the Lovell Chronicle as a proofreader. While in Lovell, Dorothy was very involved in the community, serving on the Lovell Town Council, Senior Citizen Board and many other community programs and projects. One of the projects she was most proud of was the mural on Main Street. She was an avid bridge player, loved dancing, bingo, helping at the Lovell Farmer’s Market and as everyone knows, keeping her yard in tip top condition. Dorothy loved greeting cards and would send them out to everyone, from congratulations on your big game, to sorry you got hurt or just because.

Dorothy is survived by her 4 children: Stuart (Kathy) Nelson of Wheatland Wyoming, David (Renee) Nelson of McKinney Texas, Patsy Nelson of Oxford Mississippi and Susan (Brian) Green of Lovell Wyoming, brother Arle (Norma) Schlecht of Hutchinson Minnesota and sister Marilyn Harbuck of Bullhead City Arizona. Dorothy had 11 grandchildren Katie (Nate) Huyser, Nicole Nelson, David Nelson, Kylie (Chet) Selz, Niki (Brandon) Karlis, Eric Nelson, Shandi (Tino) Vasquez, Cassie (Eddie) Lallak, Kayla Green, Stephanie Green and Beau (Brooklynne) Green. She was also blessed with 7 great grandchildren: Bryson and Riley Vasquez, Ethan Lallak, Findley and Hannah Huyser, Lily Selz and Beckham Green and extended family Taylor Huckfeldt and Molly Rush.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, father Jacob Schlecht, Mother Esther McKinney, brothers Norbert and Larry Schlecht.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 6th from 6:00 pm to 6:30 with a viewing 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Haskell Funeral Home, Lovell Wyoming.

Services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lovell Wyoming on Friday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at the Lovell Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Rich.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Big Horn Senior Citizen Center are appreciated or to the charity of your choice.

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