Dorothy Marie Neisen

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Dorothy Neisen, 88, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo.

Dorothy Marie Anderson, the daughter of Helge and Mathilda (Glawe) Anderson, was born on December 31, 1936, in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was raised on the family farm in Callaway, MN. She worked very hard throughout her life, especially on the farm. She loved to reminisce about her days milking cows and taking horses to school. She attended grade school in Callaway before continuing on to Detroit Lakes for high school. On June 2, 1954, Dorothy was united in marriage to Peter Neisen. During their time together, they lived in Crookston, MN, and Mankato, MN, before moving to Fargo in 1963. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary before Pete’s passing in 2021. She spent her final years in the memory care unit at Touchmark.

Dorothy always kept herself busy with all her hobbies. Her most talented one was painting ceramics, and she used them to decorate for every holiday. In her early years, she enjoyed being a waitress, but in 1972, she found her true passion. She was extremely successful as a Vanda Beauty Counselor for 43 years. She achieved many awards and trips during that time. Her biggest and most memorable achievement was winning a trip to London. Those who knew her understood how special Vanda was to her because it made her feel proud and brought her some of her closest friends. Dorothy was an excellent homemaker, and she could always be found dancing to her favorite music or playing her accordion. She started going to WE Fest when it first opened in 1983 and attended every year for about 30 years. She was very active in her community. She was part of the Horace Women’s Horseshoe League, where she won many trophies, and she also participated in local bowling and dart leagues. She enjoyed her free time at the lake with her family and friends. She spent a lot of time fishing on the lake and taking her grandchildren to swim at the beach. No matter what, she never missed church, her soap operas or getting her nails done! After Pete retired, they enjoyed their winters in Port Aransas, Texas. During her time there, she loved to shop, walk the beach, and deep-sea fish with Pete.

She greatly enjoyed her three generations of grandchildren. She loved spending time with them and seeing their pictures. She was always there, ready to watch them grow and witness all their accomplishments. She always had a camera or camcorder in her hand to document every important moment of their lives. Dorothy had a generous heart and made sure everyone was taken care of. She treated every person as her own and was a great helper. In later years, she made many trips to Detroit Lakes to visit her siblings and enjoy numerous rounds of cards. When they could no longer venture out on their own, she would take them for a quick trip to get some ice cream together. She was so generous with visiting loved ones in nursing homes and was continually there for those in times of need. She always had a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen.

Dorothy is survived by her four sons, Al (Cindy) Neisen, Gerald (Shelly) Neisen, Mark (Liz) Neisen, and Ken (Kim) Neisen; grandchildren, Sarah (Eric) Becker, Scott Neisen, Chris (Megan) Neisen, Nick (Shannon) Neisen, Anne (Noah) Mack, Ryan (Stephanie) Clenney, and Ashley Seibold; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Irene Neisen, Rita Neisen, and Donna Neisen; brother-in-law Donald (Jean) Neisen; and many nephews and nieces.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson, Michael Neisen; brothers, Duane (Florence) Anderson and Donald (Betty) Anderson; sister, Helen Linden; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all the amazing staff at the Sanford Hospice House for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time. They truly are angels on Earth.

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