Dorothy Elma (Lee) Hagedorn was born on May 14, 1927 in Sidney, Iowa; the daughter of Charles Arthur and Alice Viola (Clark) Lee. She peacefully passed from this life on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa surrounded by her loving family.

At a young age, Dorothy moved with her family from Randolph, Iowa to Shenandoah where she attended school. On April 15, 1944 she was united in marriage to Martin Elmer Hagedorn in Seneca, Kansas. After briefly farming the Hagedorn Homestead, Martin and Dorothy made their home in Shenandoah. On March 11, 1945 they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Rita Kay. The couple was later blessed with daughter, Lois Eileen on July 18, 1947 and a son, Richard Martin on May 14, 1954. She was a devoted wife and mother.

In 1965 Dorothy and Martin opened their fabric business, "Four Seasons" in Shenandoah. She enjoyed music, sewing, china painting, dancing, music, and socializing with her coffee group in Shenandoah. Dorothy was also a tireless volunteer with the American Cancer Society. She also was a member of the L.W.M.L. and Altar Guild at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was a member.

Dorothy never lost her deep faith, sense of humor, love of music and concern for others.
She was welcomed into heaven by her loving husband of 54 years Martin, her parents, beloved son Richard, sisters; Audrey Lee, Agnes Lang and Edith Vogel and brothers; Kenneth, Keith and Donald Lee.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters Rita Jenkins and husband Woody of Grand Junction, Iowa and Lois Higgins and husband Gary of Rippey, Iowa; 4 grandchildren; Jill Biggs and husband Bill of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tim Higgins and wife Carleene of Washington, Iowa, Kristie Higgins of Shenandoah, Iowa and Mark Higgins and wife Lois of Shenandoah, Iowa; 17 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Lawrence Boye officiating. Julia Muller and Gail Meyer attended to the memorial register while Kristie Higgins and Stacey Head cared for flowers. Serving as ushers were Howard Killion and Ron Malmberg. Karen Killion played the organ for the congregational hymns of "Nearer My God To Thee" and "Feast of Victory". Serving as casket bearers were C.D. Pease, Scott Head, Dallas Head, Todd Maher, Jeremy Maher and Kevin Weil. Honorary Casket Bearers included Charles Pease, Robert Lang, Andrew Biggs and Wendell Rope. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery. A luncheon served by the ladies of the Trinity Lutheran Church followed the graveside services.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.