Doris Telkamp

Doris Gertrude Johnson, the fifth of nine children born to George and Dena (Weltzin) Johnson, was born April 29, 1921 in Hamlet Township , Renville County near Mohall , North Dakota . She was baptized at St. John’s Church in Renville Township , North Dakota . The family moved to Minnesota in the summer of 1929, following the death of her father. They made their home in Morris, where Doris received her education in the Morris Public School , and was confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Bethany Lutheran Church . On January 3, 1938, she was united in marriage to Luverne Edward “Trink” Telkamp. The couple lived and farmed their entire married life in the Morris area. Along with the work of farming, the couple also enjoyed dancing and playing cards with their friends and neighbors. Luverne passed away in 1983, and in 1989, Doris moved from the farm into Morris. She truly enjoyed the camaraderie of apartment living, both in her west-side apartment and later at Skyview Court . In 2005, Doris moved to the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck , MN , where she lived until the time of her death.

Doris was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Morris, where she had been active in the Women of Faith, Do Days Quilting Group, the Women’s Action Board and Memorial Committee. She also enjoyed attending her Homemakers Club and Birthday Club. She especially enjoyed spending time at her lake home on Red Rock Lake , where she spent many summers catching fish and entertaining family and friends. More than anything else, Doris loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always made sure she had plenty of her homemade chocolate chip cookies ready when they were coming for the day.

Doris died on Friday, January 9, 2009 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 87 years.

She is survived by one son: Bill (Leana) Telkamp of Morris; one daughter: Donna (Orville) Severance of Morris; nine grandchildren: Joan (Tony) Stangeland of Montevideo, Sherri (DuWayne) Danderand of Belle Plaine, Stacey (Tom) Vold of Lamberton, Steve (Cindy) Telkamp of Slayton, Lisa (Mike) VanHofwegen of Chaska, Julie (Jim) Montebriand of Lakeville, Pam Severance (Dave Thomsen) of Carlton, Peggie Severance (Steve Trattles) of Alexandria and Patti Severance (Al Lesmeister) of Cyrus; 13 great-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-great-grandchildren and one sister: Norma Osterman of Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Luverne; her parents; 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

Pallbearers for the service are: Tony Stangeland, DuWayne Danderand, Tom Vold, Steven Telkamp, Dave Thomsen, Steve Trattles, Al Lesmeister and Cody Gorres. Honorary pallbearers for the service are Doris ’ Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren and All Who Called Her “Friend”. Rita Lambert will serve as organist for the service, with Shirley Schilep and DuWayne Danderand providing the special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.