Dorothy J. Beschta, Duluth, MN (formally of Sioux Falls) loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend passed away October 20, 2025 at the age of 104, with family by her side.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am Thursday, October 30, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1501 W. 26th Street, Sioux Falls, SD with burial at St. Michael Cemetery.  Family will greet friends one hour prior to the mass at the church.  Miller Funeral Home Downtown assisting with arrangements.

Dorothy was born to John and Cynthia (Budde) Fuegen on July 6, 1921 on the family farm in Gann Valley, SD.  She attended a one room country school and then graduated from Gann Valley High School in 1940.  Following graduation, Dorothy obtained her RN nursing degree from Saint  Joseph Hospital in Mitchell, SD in 1943.  She was employed as an industrial nurse in California, Washington state and Denver, CO.

Dorothy married Clarence Beschta on April 27, 1948, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Kimball, SD.  They lived in Howard, SD before moving to Sioux Falls where she worked as a private nurse and RN in hospitals and nursing homes.  After retirement Dorothy and Clarence enjoyed traveling and camping throughout the United States while wintering in Arizona.

Dorothy was a wonderful and meticulous seamstress making many outfits throughout the years, including many alterations and doll clothes.  She was a talented and remarkable hand quilter, sharing many of her quilts and wall hangings with family and friends.  She was a "homemade" cook that enjoyed hosting holidays for numerous family members.  Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life that formed her into the caring, giving and loving person she was.

After Clarence's passing in 2008, Dorothy moved to Duluth, MN to be near her daughter and family. Dorothy was able to celebrate her 100th birthday in a special celebration with family and relatives from across the country, all of which have meant so much to her.  She recently celebrated her 104 years with family and dear friends at Mt. Royal Pines III in Duluth.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clarence, her brothers and sisters-in- law:  Walter (Loretta) Fuegen, Norman (Hazel) Fuegen, Jack (Gladys) Fuegen, David Fuegen, Paul Fuegen; her sister Leona (Eber) Tripp and sister-in-law Celestine Beschta.

Dorothy leaves behind her daughter Patricia (Randall) Pfingsten, Duluth; granddaughter Alexis Pfingsten, Duluth; and sisters-in-law Deloris Fuegen, Wessington Springs, SD and Carol Fuegen, Dubuque, IA.  Also, several loved nieces and nephews, their families and many friends who have held a special place in her heart.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mt. Royal Pines III Assisted Living for their years of kindness and caring.  Also, thanking Essentia Hospice for their support and compassion.

In Dorothy's own words, "I've seen a lot in my lifetime and traveled a lot too.  I'm ready to fly.  Amen."