Dorothy Ann Pumper, age 92, of Northfield, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Apple Valley Village Health Care Center.
Dorothy was born on June 15, 1933, on the family farm in Webster Township to Frank and Lillian (Valek) Malecha. She attended Rosary School and graduated from Northfield High School. In her youth, she met her neighbor, Joseph Pumper, and the two were united in marriage on May 6, 1952, at Annunciation Catholic Church. They made their home in Webster for a short time before moving to Northfield, and in the 1960s, they purchased a farm south of town, where they raised their family.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She found joy in cooking and baking, creating handmade rugs for her family, and caring for her nine children.
She was a longtime and dedicated member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, where she played an integral role in parish life. Dorothy generously coordinated funeral lunches and provided comfort and care to families during times of loss.
Dorothy and Joe enjoyed traveling together and were faithful supporters of the Dundas Dukes baseball team. As their family grew, they took great pride in attending their grandchildren’s activities, and in later years, Dorothy cherished time spent with her great-grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Colleen (Tom) Weaver of Wisconsin Dells, Daniel of Northfield, Joel (Jeanne) of Northfield, Corrine (Fred) Beumer of Cannon Falls, Kaylene (Phillip) Little of Faribault, Keith (Nina) of Northfield, Laurie (Lance) Snesrud of Northfield and Jeffrey (Shari) of Owatonna; 23 grandkids; 42 great-grandkids; daughter-in-law, Donna of Northfield; siblings, Adeline Malecha of Lonsdale, Sister Francette Malecha of Shakopee, Jane Shriver of Montgomery, Judy Voracek of Lakeville, Francis "Butch" (Barb) Malecha of Northfield; and brother-in-law, Elmer (Ramona) Pumper of Northfield. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; son, Craig; daughter-in-law, Nancy; grandson, Andrew; and siblings, David Malecha, Larry Malecha and Michael Malecha.
Memorials may be made to St. Dominic School in Northfield.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Visitation was from 3-7 PM, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield, and continued one hour prior to mass at the church. A reception followed mass at the church. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Northfield.
Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
