Obituary of Dorothy Elsie Schopen

DOROTHY E (DIEKOW) SCHOPEN, 92 of Jefferson passed away peacefully at Alden Estates of Jefferson on March 22, 2016. She was born on October 16, 1923 in Jefferson to Edward and Ella (Biederman) Diekow. Dorothy grew up in Jefferson. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1941. Dorothy was a member of the Cheerleading Squad, and a leader in 4-H. After graduation she went to work for Elk's Bakery in Jefferson and then she worked for the Jefferson Telephone Company. She also worked for the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Services (ASCS). She then settled in as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Countryside Home, working there for 35 years and retiring at the age of 63. Dorothy married Norbert F. Schopen on November 17, 1943, then moved to the Biederman homestead and had two sons, William R. Schopen and Robert Schopen. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church Jefferson and the ladies Aid Society. Dorothy was very proud of her family farm. She spent much of her time tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, each of which brought her much joy. She also spent time canning and baking. Her favorite recipe and that cherished most by her family, being her famous chocolate chip hickory nut oatmeal cookies. She always made sure to keep her yellow cookie jar filled for visits from her grandchildren. Dorothy also enjoyed traveling, playing cards (Euchre) and entertaining. She was an ambitious and delightful hostess. She is survived by her sons William (Barb L.) Schopen of Jefferson, Robert (Barb A.) Schopen of Jefferson. 6 grandchildren Stephanie Schopen of Scottsdale AZ, Dan Schopen of Jefferson, Anne Schopen of Maple Grove MN, Andrew Schopen of Watertown, Abby Schopen of Jefferson, Jennifer (Scott) May of Watertown. 4 great grandchildren Ava Licht, Preston, Lily and Jasmine May. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Ella Diekow, her husband Norbert Schopen, her brother Donald Diekow, and sister in law Lois Diekow. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday March 29, 2016 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Jefferson, with the Rev. Matthew Krenke officiating Burial will follow at the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in her memory.