Dorothy Gmiterko

Dorothy Gmiterko, age 95, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:00 a. m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. A rosary service will be held at 9:40 a.m. on Monday, and a visitation will follow at 10:00 a.m. Father Shawn Polman will officiate. Burial will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The service will be livestreamed, recorded, and viewable below this obituary.

Dorothy Lorraine (Karels) Gmiterko was born on July 26, 1931, in Nassau, MN, to Leo and Margaret (Acker) Karels. She grew up in a large family with nine siblings. During her childhood, she also lived with her aunt and uncle, Henry and Antonia Karels, who played an important role in her life. Dorothy attended Ortonville High School before pursuing her passion for caring for others at the College of St. Catherine. She earned her degree in nursing and graduated in 1952.

On February 19, 1955, Dorothy married the love of her life, William Gmiterko. Together they built a loving home and raised their family, creating many cherished memories throughout the years. Dorothy continued her nursing career at the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis after the family moved to Fort Snelling. She dedicated herself to caring for veterans with compassion, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Through her hard work and gentle spirit, she touched the lives of countless patients, families, and colleagues.

Retirement gave Dorothy the opportunity to continue serving others in countless ways. She devoted many years to volunteer work, especially with the American Cancer Society’s Walk of Hope, Catholic Aid, where she faithfully served as treasurer, and St. John’s Catholic Church. At St. John’s, she served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, led Circle 6, helped coordinate salads and desserts for parish events, participated in Bowl of Love, and generously gave her time wherever she was needed. Her faith and commitment to helping others were evident in every aspect of her life.

Dorothy found joy in creative pursuits. She loved ceramics, embroidery, sewing, and quilting, creating countless beautiful handmade treasures that she lovingly shared with family and friends. She also enjoyed playing bingo, where she cherished the friendships, laughter, and sense of community it brought.

Dorothy will be remembered for her caring nature, strong work ethic, unwavering faith, dedication to her family, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy of compassion, service, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Dorothy is survived by her loving children: William “Bill” (Joanie) Gmiterko of Rochester, MN; Gregory “Greg” (Karen) Gmiterko of Chanhassen, MN; Theresa “Terry” (Dale Moldenhauer) Gmiterko of Hopkins, MN; Dorothy “Dotty” Shveima of Thousand Oaks, CA; beloved grandchildren: Christina (Kieran); Anna (Michael “Mike”); Nick (Lexi); Michael and Jackie; great-grandchildren: Theo, Kaden, Cody, and Brody; siblings: Irene Voigt, Cecilia Reiffenberger, and Matthew (Charlene) Karels; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; siblings: Sister Ursula “Bertha”, Vincent, Jerome, Edwin, Mary Ann, and Margaret Mary.

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