Dorothea T. Hans

Dorothea “Dots” Hans passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Fargo, ND. Dorothea was born on November 19, 1931, to Clarence and Frieda (Janke) Heuer in White Rock, SD. Dorothea was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

Dorothea graduated from Davenport High School in 1951 and then went on to work for several years at the Minneapolis-Moline company in Fargo. In June of 1953, she married her life partner, Virgil Hans. Together they lived on the Hans family farm outside of Davenport, ND until 2020 when Virgil and Dorothea moved to West Fargo, ND. Dorothea and Virgil enjoyed 69 years together before his passing in 2023.

Dorothea and Virgil had three children, Dean, Roberta (Hudson), and Neil. After the early passing of Dorothea’s mother in 1954, they also welcomed Daniel Heuer (Dorothea’s younger brother) into their home, who became an important member of the family. Dorothea loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Dorothea was a devout Christian and an active, lifelong congregant of Canaan Moravian Church in Davenport. Her faith and love of music came together in her many years of service as the church organist, playing each Sunday for almost 70 years. Music remained a source of joy throughout her life, whether she was playing the keyboard, listening to her favorite hymns, or tuning in for Polka Party.

Dorothea will be remembered for her kind and loving nature, her love of sports (especially the Green Bay Packers) and her incredible Pfeffernuts and homemade buns. Above all, she loved her family and showed it through countless acts of kindness and care. Her warmth, generosity, and love will be deeply missed.

Dorothea’s long life was especially remarkable given the challenges she faced from an early age. As a young child, she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart, and her family was told that she would not live past the age of 10. She spent a long year on bedrest, cared for tirelessly by her mother.

Dorothea defied all odds living to the remarkable age of 94.

Dorothea is survived by her children, Neil (Heather) and Roberta; seven grandchildren, Hope (Matt), Travis (Asialynn), Vanessa, Faith, Caitlin, Aidan, and Dylan; five great grandchildren, Micah, Audrey, Emmett, Genevieve, and Seraphina; sisters, Ginnie (Harold) Hornibrook and Debra (Ray) Albright, brother, Dan (Loann) Heuer; and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothea was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; son, Dean; parents, Clarence and Frieda; and sisters Maryellen (Howard) Sundby, Donnajean (Glenn) Hans, and Timmie (Merle) Huhner.