Dorothy (Schulze) Baxter

Viola Dorothy Baxter, 96, of Bemidji, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center with family in attendance.

Because of Covid 19, and to practice CDC standards, an internment only service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020, at 2:00 PM at the Pine Ridge Cemetery, Turtle River.

She was born to the late Alfred and Stella Viola (Souder) Schulze, on June 29,1924 in Bemidji, the eldest of five children. Dorothy graduated from Bemidji High School in 1942, and then attended the former French’s Business School. She married the love of her life and classmate, the late Roland J. (Rollie) Baxter. After their marriage they resided in Bemidji. They moved to Cedar Rapids, IA where Rollie was employed at the Collins Radio Company.

Upon returning to Bemidji, Dorothy and Rollie raised their two children, Bobbie Jo and Howie. The family was active in the United Methodist Church, the Boy and Girl Scouts and the auxiliaries of the American Legion and Civil Air Patrol. When the children grew older Dorothy worked at the “old” downtown Bemidji Clinic as a receptionist, and later at the new facility in procurement. When Dorothy and Rollie retired they set off on new adventures. Winter months were spent traveling to Florida, Texas, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. During the summers they first spent time at the family cabin on Lower Red Lake, then came a complete transition to sail boats. At first they day sailed on Lake Bemidji, but later moored the “RollieD” on Leech Lake with their friends at the Shores of Leech Lake Marina. When Dorothy left her home, GoldPine was her request for future years. There she met new people and enjoyed reacquainting with-old friends from church and work. Dorothy was never one to enjoy a game of chance but found out later when at GoldPine that bingo was a great game. She consistently won, adding the quarters to the jar in her room. Luckily, they didn’t have any slot machines on the premises for that would have been a really new adventure for Dorothy and her stash of quarters.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father Alfred, Mother Stella, husband Rollie and brother Jack Schulze. She is survived by her children Bobbie Jo (John) Nelsen of Vadnais Heights, MN, son Howard (Polly) Baxter of Bemidji, brothers Don Schulze of Manistique, MI, Robert (Nancy) Schulze of Council Bluffs, IA, and a sister Patricia McSwain of Irvine CA. Also six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Chris (Kryste) Nelsen and son Kyle of Des Plaines, IL, Beth Bridenbecker/Tom Bangert, daughters Tori and Katie of Orange, CA, Amy (Sergio) Rasilla, daughters Annelise and Angeline of Fullerton, CA, Faye (Nic) Lewis and Victor, Jenny Baxter/ Chris Wynkoop and Abrielle, and Jeff Baxter all residing in Bemidji, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

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