Muriel J. Dorn, age 103, of Hendricks, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks, MN. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks. Burial will be in Hendricks City Cemetery, Hendricks. Visitation will be Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Hendricks is entrusted with the arrangements.
Muriel Jeanette (Widmark) Dorn was born December 8, 1920 to Morrel and Maren “Mary” (Enga) Widmark on a farm west of Ivanhoe, MN. Muriel was baptized at Hemnes Lutheran Church near Minneota and was a member of Bethany Elim Church in Ivanhoe and was confirmed at Bethany Church in Arco. Muriel lived her whole life in Lincoln County, MN, going to District 20 country school, graduating from Ivanhoe High School in 1938, attending Normal Teacher training, and teaching in a one-room school house for two years. Muriel married Alden (Ole) Dorn on July 6, 1941. Together they lived and farmed on the Dorn home place south of Hendricks for over 40 years and raised their four children there. In the mid 80’S, Ole and Muriel moved into Hendricks where they lived together until Ole passed away on December 4, 1999. Muriel remained in their home until entering the Hendricks Nursing Home on July 1, 2024. Muriel passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the age of 103. Muriel was active in WELCA, Circle and Bible studies at Christ Lutheran Church where she was a member. Along with church activities, Muriel was involved with various clubs and enjoyed doing volunteer work. 4H was a part of Muriel’s life as a child and adult, where she especially enjoyed attending the county fair. Though only a professional for two years, Muriel loved teaching. Activities such as walking, visiting, cooking and baking, and reading the newspaper kept her busy. She loved entertaining, always insisting guests have a “little lunch”. She also enjoyed a good card game with family and friends, Pinochle was a favorite. Always the optimist, no matter the weather or situation, “It’s getting brighter out” was a common phrase Muriel would say that reflected her positive outlook.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children: James Dorn, Mankato, MN; Lynn Bockelmann, Hendricks, MN, Jan (Sandy) Dorn, Montevideo, MN; and Layne (Dean) Nielsen, Hendricks, MN; grandchildren: Jodie (Dave) Fenner, Michael (Sheri) Dorn, Amy Kompelien, Angela (Gaby) Pantoja, Nicole Espland, Troy (Amanda) Bockelmann, Travis (Tiffany) Bockelmann, Joshua (Rebecca Johnson) Dorn, DeDe (Tim) Epema, Katie (Gene) Wendinger, Dallas (Tenae) Nielsen; great grandchildren: Chelsey (Robert) Ortman, Haley (Sam) Ling, Jay Bayer, Cody (Nichole) Fenner, Dustin (Victoria) Fenner, Brylea and Tyler Dorn, Logan (Heather) Kompelien, Landon (Meriah) Kompelien, Liesl (Tyler) Swenson, Lorelei Kompelien, Roberto and Isabela Pantoja, Jacob (Yvette) Astar, Julianna, Lillian, Christina and Brielle Bockelmann, Tenley, Teagan and Griffin Epema, Liberty, Kasen and Aaliyah Wendinger, Dalten, Kolten and Lincoln Nielsen, and Barrett and Bowen Herald; great-great grandchildren: Aiden and Lana, Xavier, Madeline and McKenzie, Ava and Nico, Brittany, Aubrey and Harper, Chloe, Mia, Emma and Garrett, Carson, Brison and Sadie, Wren, Jemma and Dutton; sister-in-law, Florence Dorn; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Muriel was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother; husband Ole Dorn, son-in-law Robert Bockelmann, daughter-in-law Sandra Dorn; granddaughter and her husband Julie and Jerry Bayer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Manley and Lilas Widmark; Merrill and Marlene Widmark; and Ole’s siblings and their spouses.
