Dorothy Ollman

Dorothy Ollman, 93, of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood, North Dakota.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at Zion United Methodist Church in Grand Forks with burial in Holmes United Methodist Cemetery rural Reynolds, North Dakota at 1:30 pm.

Visitation will be at the Church on Monday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service and one hour prior to services.

She was born in rural Hatton, North Dakota on February 9, 1917, the third daughter of Frank and Emma (Roeder) Strutz. She attended country schools, Thompson High School, and graduated from Hatton High School. She worked as a news reporter for the Hatton Free Press. She married Donald Ollman on April 25, 1943. They moved to Grand Forks and resided there the rest of their lives. Together they founded Heating and Electric Service Company. She was book keeper and receptionist for the company. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her sister Hazel Strutz, son-in-law Harold Wright, Jr. and one child who died at birth.
Dorothy was a life long church member, baptized at Holmes Evangelical Church. After their marriage, Donald and Dorothy became members of Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church of Grand Forks, which is now Zion United Methodist Church. Music was important to Dorothy her entire life. She was an accomplished improvisational pianist. She was a member of the choirs at church, as well as a member of both the Thursday Music Club and Sweet Adelines. As a young women, she and her sister Margaret sang together in neighboring communities and churches.
Dorothy and Donald enjoyed traveling across the country on family vacations, as well as fishing trips to Canada with friends. After retirement, they spent several winters in Arizona.
Dorothy was also well known for her handwork, especially tatting and knitting. She made sweaters and afghans for her children and grandchildren, and kept them all supplied with checkerboard slippers, affectionately known as "sugar booties".
She is survived by three daughters: Rev. Peggy Kieras (Jim) of Holden, MA, Pamela Wright of Rochester, MN and Penny Ollman of Duluth, MN and one son, Dwight Ollman (Sara) of Reynolds, ND. She is also survived by one sister, Margaret Hjelmstad of Hatton, ND and six grandchildren: Melanie Lopiccolo (Anthony) of Hoboken, NJ, Joshua Wright (Rose) of Glendale, MO, Matthew Kieras (Elizabeth) of Hopkinton, MA, Lana Kieras of Worcester, MA, Sarah Kieras of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Emily Wright, Grand Forks ND and step grandsons Bo (Wausau, WI) and Casey Wollangk (Crookston, MN), nieces and a nephew, and many cousins..... and grand dogs Patch and Buster.

Don and Dorothy were partners and best friends; they lived their lives and kept their commitment to fulfill the scripture: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Zion or Holmes United Methodist Churches, Northland Rescue Mission, or Trail Ride Family Camp.

The Bilden Funeral Home of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.

The Bilden Funeral Home of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.