Dorothy J. Gatlin

Dorothy Joan Gatlin passed away on Feb. 12, 2012, in Brainerd, Minn., at the age of 78. Dorothy was born on March 16, 1933, in Minneapolis to William and Olive Risser. Dorothy married William “W.L.” Gatlin on April 17, 1958, and they had four children.
Dorothy’s was employed as a data entry operator.
Dorothy was a member of the Lakes Association, VFW and Dorcas. She established a scholarship at Bethel Lutheran Church through Thrivent. She also started a children’s Fourth of July parade on South Long Lake. Dorothy taught others to use computers at the Senior Center in Brainerd.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Christine (Thomas) Thayer, of Brainerd, Kenneth, of St. Francis, Kathleen (Mick) Reiter, of Andover, and Richard (Megan), of Brainerd; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Judith (Arthur) Peterson, of Pepin, Wis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William; parents; great-grandson, Cole Anthony; and granddaughter, Tina.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Brainerd. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, from 4-7 p.m. at Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment at Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Brainerd.
Family being served by:
Halvorson-Johnson Funeral and Cremation Care
Brainerd/Baxter (218) 829-3581
www.halvorson-johnson.com