Obituary: Dorothy "Pete" Nixon

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In memory of

Dorothy "Pete" Nixon

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, October 16, 2006 in Philip at the age of 84

Our community lost a wonderful person, devoted mother, grandmother and friend on Monday morning, October 16, 2006. Dorothy Mae "Pete" Nixon passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. Dorothy was very proud of her community and was committed to serving her family, friends, and neighbors.

Dorothy Mae Lindeken was born September 30th, 1922, on her parents’ ranch eight miles east of Chadron, Nebraska, the youngest of six children born to Harry John and Susana Katherine (Nave) Lindeken. She started school when she was four years old attending all eight grades at Beaver Valley rural school in Nebraska. She attended high school at Assumption Academy in Chadron. While attending school, she played softball and was very competitive.

On April 11, 1942, Dorothy was united in marriage to Leo A. "Shorty" Nixon in Chadron, Nebraska. Following their marriage they moved to Long Beach, California, where they purchased a home at Lakewood City, California. Shorty worked in the shipyards as a welder during the war. In 1944, they moved to the Grindstone area where they had purchased a ranch in partnership with Dorothy’s father.

Dorothy remembers starting in the ranching business with a new Ford tractor, one horse, one cow, two roosters, a 1939 Ford car and an old Chevy pick-up. She recalls their neighbors being very helpful and made them feel so at home in Grindstone. They ran yearlings, buying calves in the fall and selling in the spring and summer.

A son Gary was born to them on August 27th, 1946, and on January 27th, 1951, a daughter Jeanni was born. Their family life was centered around the work on the ranch and happenings in the community. Later they were very involved in rodeo and quarter horse shows. They raised Registered Angus Cattle and American Quarter Horses.

Dorothy was involved in every aspect of the ranch working along side her husband doing whatever needed to be done. She also decorated beautiful wedding cakes. She enjoyed playing the piano and guitar and singing. She even sang on the radio a few times and entertained WWII soldiers. She also entertained German POW’s at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Dorothy loved to sing "I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart" and especially liked to yodel.

Dorothy was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip She belonged to Tribe VI and devoted many hours to fund-raisers. She served on the election board for many years in the Grindstone area and with the Grindstone Women’s Choir. She was a long time member of the Grindstone Women’s Club, the South Dakota Cowbell’s, and was a 4-H Leader in Haakon County. She was also active in many fund-raisers for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life belonging to the Lady Bugs.

Dorothy was well known for her cooking and baking abilities, and was a person who really made cooking an art. Dorothy loved crafts of all sorts and was an accomplished painter, sharing her works with family and friends. Dorothy bowled on a league for many years and subbed in later years, retiring when she hit 80 years old. She played many years of softball and her grandchildren remember her sliding into base when she was in her 70’s. They were so in awe of her talents. She loved to work with wood and build anything from furniture to toys. Dorothy was an avid fisherman and passed her knowledge and love of fishing on to her grandchildren. Among her talents were her abilities to sew and create beautiful outfits for herself and her family.

Dorothy truly "lived" every day of her life to the fullest and shared her many talents with all of us. She would work all day and be ready to dance, shop, or entertain guests after work, cramming all she could into a day.

Leaving behind to mourn, love, and cherish her memory are a son Gary Nixon and his wife Julie of Philip; a daughter Jeanni Gossard and her husband Gale of New Underwood; six grandchildren Kellie (Dean) Weinzetl of Belle Fourche, Mandie (CJ) Menzel of Dupree, Patsy Robertson of Caputa, Melody (Matt) Larson of Caputa, Troy Gossard of Rapid City, and Tammy (Tim) Hall of New Underwood; ten great-grandchildren Aleida and Abbianna Weinzetl, Tessa and Josie Menzel, Trynity, Karlie, and Teigen Robertson, Julia, Mason and Lucas Hall; two brothers Jack and Carl Lindeken of Chadron, Nebraska; two brothers-in-law Donald Gorr of Chadron, and Wilson Brecht of Van Nyes, California; two sisters-in-law Mattie (Richard) Dooley of Prescott, Arizona, and Maxine Nixon of Belle Fourche; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Leo Nixon in 1989; two sisters Helen Gorr and Byrdie Brecht; a brother William Lindeken; two sisters-in-law Gertrude Lindeken and Alyce Lindeken; and a brother-in-law Robert Nixon.

Visitation was held 5:00 p.m. to7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 20, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

A memorial is established.

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, October 20, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Celebrant
Father Ron Garry

Music
Marianne Frein-Organist
Elvera Moos-Vocalist
"One Day At A Time"
"How Great Thou Art"

Ushers
Bev McDaniel – Carol Price

Pallbearers
Larry Gabriel – Jeff Gabriel
Kirk Cordes – Spencer Cordes
John Dean – Keith Louden

Honorary Pallbearers
Doctors, Nurses, and all the Staff at
Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital
And All Neighbors, Friends, and Family

Interment
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, October 20, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

Ph: 712-884-2405
Gary and Julie,

My respects and condolences to you for the loss of Dorothy. I enjoyed Dorothy very much when I got the chance to visit all you folks up in South Dakota. You all have been great friends to all of us Sandvold's, and very hospitable when we come to visit, we always had a pretty grand old time. Take care and stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Erik W. Sandvold ~ Erik Sandvold R.F.D. 1 Box 37, Soldier, Iowa 51572 (10/16/2006)
Dear Gary and Julie Nixon and Family,

We were very sorry for you loss, we enjoyed visits with Dorothy very much. We'll get in touch with you soon.

Our sincerest condolences to you and the family,

Olaf and Vivian Sandvold ~ Olaf and Vivian Sandvold 621 Elm Street, Moorhead, Iowa 51558 (10/16/2006)
Dear Gary, Julie, and All of Dorothy's loving family,

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. She will be missed by all who knew her. She always had a ready smile for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Fitzgerald ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald 571 Arbor Hollow Circle, Cordova, TN 38018 (10/16/2006)
Dorothy was so much fun to be around. Loved her quick wit. Always remembered her carving the meat and Twila & Milton's brandings. She will be missed. ~ Carolyn & Marvin Anders Elm Springs, SD (10/16/2006)
Read of your mothers leaving in the paper. I am so saddened for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to her. Be strong ~ Amy Hulce Box 178, Midland, SD (10/16/2006)
Gale, Jeannie and family,
So sorry for your loss. All of you are in our prayers!! Love, John, Cathie, Wade, Austin and Drew Printz ~ John and Cathie Printz Wright, Wyoming (10/16/2006)
Your mother and grandmother was a sweet lady and always had a good thing to say she will be missed but remembered fondly. ~ Craig and Robin Robertson Caputa, SD 57725 (10/16/2006)
My folks told me they had recently visited your Mom in the hospital. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, she was a wonderful lady. I still smile when I remember telling your folks I could drive and taking off in the jeep. I always remember what a kind and gracious hostess she was and what fun it was to visit.
Love, Pauline ~ Pauline Dale 525 N. Howard Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142 (10/16/2006)
Jeanni, Gary, and family, Our prayers are with you in the loss of your wonderful mother. She was such a special person and I will always remember her and her engaging laugh. Bless you all . ~ Howard & Donna Sue Willey Harrison, NE (10/16/2006)
Mandi, CJ and family - Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Love, Connie & Steve ~ Connie & Steve Madsen Sandy, UT (10/16/2006)
Dear Jeannie and Gary: Your tribute to your mother covered her life so well, and said so much about the kind of person she was and made it clear why we loved and respected her so much. She and your father were such good examples of right living. You can be so proud to have been their kids. May God hold you in the palm of His hand and give you peace and love. Sincerely, Lois ~ Lois Putnam Oelrichs, SD (10/16/2006)
I remember going to Dorothy's home for home health when I worked in Philip and she was such a joy to be around. She was one of the most friendly and loving people I ever met. She will be greatly missed by everyone. My love and prayers to her family. ~ Joan Kirchhevel 448 Hauck Ave., Box Elder, SD 57710 (10/16/2006)
Gary, Julie & family, What a compassionate, sweet spirit your mom had ,always so friendly to others. Mothers are a very special gift from God, and I'm praying that God holds you in the palm of his hands as you walk through this difficult time. I know this has been a tough year for your family. Just a note to let you know we are lifting up in prayer you and your family. God Bless ~ Marty & Debbie Hansen Philip, SD (10/16/2006)
Dorothy was truly a lady of many talents!! She is at peace now and I hope the many memories you have will keep you smiling. ~ Shelia Trask Wasta, SD (10/16/2006)
To the family of Dorothy Nixon: We have been so honored to have known this dear Lady and her family. She was one of a kind. She fought the good fight, and know the Good Lord welcomed her home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In Sympathy Steve and Janice Kerpan ~ Steve and Janice Kerpan PO Box 1283, Saratoga, WY 82331 (10/16/2006)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Susie Cuppy Mitchell, SD (10/16/2006)
Gary and Julie, Jeanni and Gale and families,
It has been nothing short of joyous to have gotten to know a small part of this gracious and fun-loving women, in these last few months. My heart goes out to you all at this time. May your time together as family and your celebration of this incredible life be blessed. ~ Rebecca Williams Philip, SD (10/16/2006)
Dorothy's long journey is finally over. May she rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to Gary, Julie and all the family. ~ Cork & Bev Jahner Kerrville, Texas (10/16/2006)
Are thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. ~ Colleen Clements and Connie Richards Cedar Rapids, IA (10/16/2006)
Dorothy's hugs were as warm as the biscuits she made the first time I went with Gale and Jeanni to visit her at the Ranch. I always looked forward to seeing her and will miss her greatly. Our prayers are with Jeanni and the entire family, but we also celebrate her life and all those she touched with her warm heart. Love, Dale and Trudy ~ Dale and Trudy Brassfield New Underwood, SD (10/16/2006)
Family is so precious and our time here on earth is short. In reading Dorothy's obituary, she made the most of her time, lived life to the fullest and has such a wonderful family to be remembered by. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless! ~ The Lantis Family Spearfish, SD (10/16/2006)
Gary and Julie, all of the Nixon Family-
We are so sorry to hear of your loss...our prayers are with you. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (10/16/2006)
We are so happy that we were able to get to know Dorothy over the last few years. She was always a joy to visit with and it was so easy to think of her as family. Our deepest condolences to the entire family, Dondra & Bob ~ Colleen Clements / Connie Richards / Dondra Menzel Dupree, SD (10/16/2006)
Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Love Always,

April ~ April Schofield . (10/16/2006)