Dorothy Anna Clara Jasperson, 75

Dorothy Anna Clara Jasperson, age 75, of New Prague, died peacefully of Covid 19 complicated further by long-standing Parkinson’s Disease at Redeemer Health and Rehab Center in Minneapolis.  Dorothy was born on January 9, 1945 in Wanamingo, MN to Aron and Gina (Shelstad) Myran.  She graduated from Wanamingo High School, and went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from Mankato State University, and a Master’s from St. Mary’s University.  Dorothy started her career teaching business education at New Prague High School, where she met the love of her life, Dennis Jasperson, at a teacher’s workshop at the end of August.  Shortly after, they became more acquainted at the corn roast that was hosted for new teachers held at Camp Pa-Hu-Ca at Fish Lake.  Eight months later, the star-struck couple married in Wanamingo on April 5, 1969.  Dorothy taught business ed for 3 years, then took a break when her children were born to be home with them.  Once the children were in school, Dorothy worked for a short time at the NP Times, then for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  Her true calling came with a love for and an ability to relate to special ed students so she reentered the school system teaching Special Education.  Her students remembered and loved Dorothy and years later, when they would see her on her frequent walks in New Prague, made it a point to run across the street to collect very special hugs.  Dorothy possessed a gentle soul with a kindness that radiated along with the smile that always graced her face and lit up her eyes.  Despite years of declining and debilitating health due to Parkinson’s, Dorothy never once complained.

 Dorothy loved nothing more than time spent with her children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews, and more recently, her great-grandchildren.  She knew everyone’s birthday and loved to celebrate them with parties.  Many wonderful trips were spent traveling and trailer camping, a favorite being northern Idaho, where Dennis taught at one time.  These trips continued as long as Dorothy’s health allowed.  Many wonderful memories were also made with her stitch and bitch “sewing club”!  Her kind, quiet presence was an inspiration to so many and she will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

 Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Dennis; children, Kristen (Duane) Palma of New Prague, Aron Jasperson of New Prague, Erik Jasperson of Shakopee; grandchildren, Brandon (Megan) Palma, Megan Palma (fiancé, Duane Abbott), Alex Palma; great-grandchildren, Adeline, Livi, Luca, & Dottie; brother, Gunder Myran of Michigan; sisters, Charlotte (Darold) Safe of Cannon Falls, Shirley Beckman of Cannon Falls, Jo Ann (Gary) Lemke of Grand Rapids, MN; sister-in-law, Rosie Floren of Kenyon.  She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gilman Myran.

 Private family graveside services will be held at Czech National Cemetery in New Prague on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 1:00 PM with Reverend Diane Goulson officiating.  The memorial service will be live-streamed through Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and there will be a drive-through parade through the cemetery for members of the public immediately following the ceremony.  No flowers please; memorials preferred to the Parkinson Foundation or donor’s choice. bruzekfuneralhome.com