Dorothy A. Bathel

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 12, 2024
at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 92

Dorothy A. Finck was born February 11, 1932, in Spearfish, SD, the daughter of Albert and Hannah (Stotts) Finck. She grew up in the Okaton area, attending rural grade school and Murdo High School.

In 1948, while at a dance in Midland, Dorothy was introduced to a tall young man, Wallace “Babe” Bathel, who worked for a hay hauling crew out of Nebraska. Although initially un-impressed with “the hick in bib overalls,” she soon changed her mind and they were married in March of 1949, taking up residence in Midland. To this union four children were born, Carol, Albert “Butch”, Deanna and Donna. In 1956 they moved to Rapid City where Babe had a job with Buckingham Trucking.

Throughout the next 19 years, which included moves to Papillion, NE and Cheyenne, WY, Dorothy held down the fort while Babe was out trucking. After retirement they moved back to Rapid City, then Midland and finally Wasta, where Babe passed in 2008. Dorothy moved to the Senechal in Philip in 2013, then to the Kadoka Nursing Home in 2022, where she resided until the time of her death on October 12, 2024, at the age of 92.

Dorothy was a talented cook, seamstress, upholsterer, gardener and avid rockhound, passing along her talents to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her stubborn strength and salty nature will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Survivors include her son, Butch (Cheryl) Bathel of Laurel, NE; daughter, Donna Morey of Philip; son-in-law, Danny Finn of Newell; eight grandchildren: Chris (Suzy) Bathel and Shawn Bathel, of Omaha, NE; Dawn (Jim) Herber of Kadoka; Becky (Wade) Nelson of Pierre; Shane (Melissa) Finn of Nisland; Shad (Jenna) Finn of Midland; Michelle Fitzler of Custer; Kari (Randy) Greenfield of Tomahawk, WI; 20 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Babe Bathel; her parents; infant siblings Duane and Doris Finck; daughter Carol Kobes and her husband Don; daughter Deanna Finn; grandson-in-law Dustin Fitzler; great-grandson Sam Bathel; and her mother and father-in-law Violet and Fredrick Bathel.

Graveside memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26, at the Midland Cemetery, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating. A gathering at the Midland Senior Center will be held after the service.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 43, Philip, SD 57567.

Service Details

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Saturday, October 26, 2024 - 10:30 a.m.
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney

RECEPTION FOLLOWING SERVICE
Midland Senior Citizens Center
Midland, South Dakota

CARDS AND MEMORIALS
MAY BE SENT TO
P.O. Box 43
Philip, SD 57567

Guest Book

Sorry for your loss Donna thoughts and prayers with you all in your time of sorrow.
   ~ Jerry and Marilyn Lowe Rainier wa (10/19/2024)
I loved visiting with Dorothy over the past few years and appreciated her saltiness! She always made me chuckle. She will definitely be missed. My thoughts are with you Donna and family.
   ~ Kim Petersen Philip (10/15/2024)
Family and friends of Dorothy you all are in our prayers. When I was in elementary school in Midland I asked Dorothy if she would be my Grandma for Grandparents Day at school. She agreed and came to my classroom. She made me feel so special. Dorothy certainly was a tell it like it is type person and I loved her for it.
   ~ Ellie (Nemec) Saucerman Rapid City (10/21/2024)
So sorry for your loss. I had a great visit with Dorothy at the 4th of July picnic at Wasta this year. Over the years , always enjoyed seeing her at sports events her granddaughters and our daughter were in and many memories from quilt club at Wasta, I always enjoyed her feisty personality..Norma
   ~ Norma & Marvin Williams Owanka, SD (10/14/2024)

Flowers

Image
Janet and Jonathan