Dorothy Brockhoff

Dorothy Brockhoff, age 87 of Arlington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Green Isle. Rev. Todd Bentz will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Arlington. Visitation will continue at the church Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till the service time. Interment will immediately follow the service at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Green Isle Township. Luncheon will begin immediately at St. Paul's social hall following the service, and family will join when they return from the cemetery.

Dorothy was born on July 20, 1939 in Dahlgren Township, Carver MN to Charles and Mabel (Wentzlaff) Byer. Dorothy was baptized on August 27, 1939 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Union, MN. Dorothy was confirmed on June 28, 1953 at the Centennial Lutheran Church in Henderson, MN.

Dorothy married Earl E. Brockhoff on September 20, 1957 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Young America, MN. Dorothy and Earl shared 60 years of marriage before Earl's death on September 27, 2017.

Dorothy raised their three daughters and also did daycare for families in the neighborhood and worked various jobs till the girls started school. Had a huge garden which was her love and joy in the summer. Dorothy started working part-time at S & S Shoe Store in Arlington for 16 years until September 15, 1986 when Dorothy and her sister, JoAnn Kroells, opened DJ's Shoes & Repairs in Arlington. They remained in business for 32 years, closing the store on 12/31/2018.

Dorothy was a Life Member of the Arlington VFW Auxiliary Post 6031 and a founding Charter Member of the Auxiliary which started in 1957. Dorothy was a member of the Green Isle Ladies American Legion Auxiliary for over 32 years. Dorothy was a member at Zion Lutheran Church Green Isle Township. Dorothy was an avid bowler and started her bowling career in 1960 and continued till 2025. Her greatest accomplishment was making it to the United States Bowling Congress Senior Tournament in 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin and placing 3rd in the Nation among all senior bowlers 75 years and older.  Dorothy loved summer and taking care of her garden and flowers and sharing the bounty of her garden with family and friends. She was known as the "pickle lady". She loved to entertain and made sure everyone always felt welcome and fed at their home.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Debora (Alan) Panning, Green Isle; Sandra (Lorn) Herrmann of New Germany; Joan (Paul) Thomes of Chaska MN. Her grandchildren include: Brandon (Shari) Panning; Colin Panning; Adam (Marie) Herrmann; Tara (Brian) Kaletka; Josh Thomes; Alex Thomes; Seth Thomes. Great Children: Marshall and Emma Panning; Austin and Aria Herrmann; Noah and Logan Kaletka; Landen Hanson and Alexander Thompson. Also surviving are brother, Melvin (LaVonne) Byer; sisters, Geri Wischnack; JoAnn (Robert) Kroells; Sharon (Chuck) Shimota; sister-in-law, Caroline Byer and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Earl; by her parents Charles and Mabel Byer; brother, Ervin Byer; sister, Irma Nelson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Malinda Brockhoff; brothers-in-law, Marvin (Violet) Brockhoff; Gilbert (Elaine) Brockhoff.

Dorothy was a very giving person but valued her privacy and she lived her life doing it her way.  During a time like this, the Dorothy Brockhoff family realizes how much our friends and relatives mean to us.  Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered.

No individual acknowledgement will be sent.