Dorothy Joann Prigge

About Dorothy

Dorothy Joann Prigge, 88, of Bemidji, MN died on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center after a brief illness.

Dorothy was born on October 26th, 1934 in Wanamingo, MN, to Gerhard and Stella (Lexvold) Kvamme. She grew up on the family farm and attended country schools, graduating from Wanamingo High School in 1952.

She worked for Union National Bank in Rochester where she met co-worker Kenneth Richard Prigge whom she eventually married. Dorothy waited patiently for Ken who went to Japan to serve his country. They were married on October 12th, 1957 and were together until Ken’s death 64 years later. Ken was the love of her life. Dorothy and Ken resided in both Rochester and Owatonna MN., until finally settling in Bemidji. They amassed many friends along the way.

Dorothy worked at home raising her three children and then went back to work for the State of Minnesota Emergency Management.

Dorothy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir, attended both afternoon guild and Lydia Circle. Dorothy was deeply faithful and lived her life as a true Christian.

She volunteered for years at the Sanford Hospital Gift Shop. She enjoyed baking her family famous specialty "Dorothy's chocolate chip cookies", knitting, reading and puzzling.

Dorothy’s family and friends brought her great joy. Time spent with her children/grandchildren was golden. She loved being a grandma to Hannah and Haley who lit up her life. Activities with friends - lunch/dinner dates, community theater, live music or sitting on her porch were the highlights of her days. She always entertained us without even trying.

Saying goodbye to Mom now for us is as hard as it was for Mom to say goodbye to ANYONE.

Dorothy is survived by her son Jim Prigge, daughter Ellen (Duane) Sheehan, daughter-in-law Karen Prigge Sohn, granddaughters Hannah and Haley Prigge, grandson by choice Walker Cage, brother and sister in laws Don Greseth, Helen Miller, Walt and Joni Prigge, William and Lamae Prigge, and Phyllis Prigge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents Gerhard and Stella Kvamme, son Tom Prigge, sisters Phyllis Greseth and Karen Johnson.

memorial service

Celebration of Life for Dorothy and Kenneth Prigge

October 2, 2023

Trinity Lutheran Church - LCMS 123 29th St NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Kenneth Prigge died on Feb. 6, 2022. Rev. Robert Wentzel will be officiating. Visitation will be at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1 and one hour prior to the service on October 2. Interment will be at the Evergreen/Northern Township cemetery near Bemidji.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home