Dorothy Ackerwold, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Thorne Crest Health Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Dorothy was born March 14, 1925, at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, the daughter of the Rev. John C. and Ragna Walledom. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to New Richland, Minnesota. Dorothy was a graduate of New Richland High School and went on to St. Olaf College, graduating with a major in sociology. Following graduation, she worked for a year at the Lutheran Inner Mission Society of Brooklyn, New York, and later placed children for adoption with Lutheran Children’s Friends Society in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1954, she and Robert Ackerwold were married. They lived in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, until 1962, when they moved to Austin with their three children. Dorothy was a devoted mom and grandma and was also active in various organizations, including Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, League of Women Voters, AAUW, Red Cross Gray Ladies and hospital auxiliary. From 1972-87, Dorothy worked as a library assistant at Sumner Elementary School. She and Bob then enjoyed many years of retirement together. Dorothy enjoyed gardening and baking, but she enjoyed being with people most of all.

Dorothy is survived by daughter, Kari Bain of Austin; son, Robert Ackerwold of Norwood Young America, Minnesota; daughter and son-in-law, Liz and Neal Erickson of Austin; nine grandchildren, Eric Bain (Jessie), Jonathan Bain (Kelly), Daniel Ackerwold (Tina), Megan Larsen (Darren), Sarah Bain, Thomas Ackerwold, Annie Erickson, Laura Ackerwold and Tim Erickson; four great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Bain, Ian Bain, Levi Larsen and Mika Bain; nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents; brothers, Melvin (Bud) and John Walledom; sister, Lois Rollefson; and son-in-law, Ian Bain.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with Intern Pastor Anders Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and one hour before the service on Monday at the church.

A private family interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery prior to the service. Memorials may be designated to Lutheran Social Services or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.