Dorothy A. Burkemper

We are saddened by the loss of Dorothy Agnes Burkemper, who died Saturday, July 18, at the age of 95.

Dorothy was born Nov. 14, 1930, the youngest of five children born to the late John and Rose (Duello) Henke of Dardenne, Missouri. She grew up on their family farm and attended the nearby Immaculate Conception parish and school. In 1950 she married James Henry Burkemper, and on their farm near Old Monroe they raised five children of their own: Mike, Gary, Debbie, Nancy and Joan. They were married for 49½ years.

Dorothy was active and energetic, never idle if there was a job to be done. Busy days of homemaking and helping on the farm added up to years of happy family life. She was a great cook and talented seamstress. Her sewing skills progressed from children’s clothing, Barbie clothes and curtains to recovering furniture. For 35 years she had a home reupholstery business, and later in life worked at an alterations shop in Troy. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Old Monroe.

Jim and Dorothy enjoyed ballroom dancing and travel. Dorothy loved playing cards, especially Michigan rummy and euchre. Quilting and embroidering were lifelong hobbies; she also enjoyed gardening, puzzles, a good Manhattan, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. When Jim had serious health issues, Dorothy diligently and lovingly cared for him in their home until the end.

The last of her generation on both sides of the family, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Jim and son Mike; her siblings Cletus, Marcella Fletcher, Porter and Jim; her stepfather Walter Fox; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Brent Fletcher, Rita Henke, Rose Ann Henke, Jerry and Virginia Burkemper, Vess and Gen Bauer, Bob and Bert Brown, Oz and Wink Maher, Vincil and Mary Lou Creech, Alvin Burkemper, and Duck and Pat Burkemper.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Gary (Cindy), Debbie Meyer (Bill), Nancy Orf (Bernard) and Joan Runge (Gary), all of O’Fallon; and 12 grandchildren: Jessica Orf Eusterbrock (Matt), Matt Orf, Will Meyer (Val), Scott Meyer (Lindsay), Tim Orf (Stacy), Mike Burkemper, Laura Runge Budke (Matt), Andy Burkemper (Kami), Maureen Runge Hirsch (Jeff), Sarah Burkemper, Katie Orf White (Dustin), and Natalie Runge Hogan (Pete). She was Granny Dot to her 26 great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to caring staff members who helped Dorothy during her stays at Twin Oaks of O’Fallon, Abbey Senior Health, and The Meadowlands. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or for masses.

Dorothy showed resilience and a can do spirit throughout her long life. She will be missed by all who loved her.