Dorothy Mae Engstrom

Dorothy Mae Engstrom, widow of Carl Raymond, and number one fan of John Wayne passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. She was born Feb. 7, 1925 in Archer, Wyoming, the second daughter of Gust and Luella Mae (Miller) Sakelaris. Her family moved to Kimball, Nebraska, where Dorothy worked at the local drug store stocking shelves and making Tin Roof Sundaes, and at the movie theater (when tickets cost 10 cents).

She graduated from Kimball County High School in 1943 and the Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, Colorado in 1947. Dorothy taught migrant children at public schools in Colorado and taught Physical Education in Lincoln Public Schools. She was famous for her whistle that could be heard for blocks away signaling to students and family members that recess was over or dinner was ready.

At a dance in Kimball, she met Carl whom she married in 1950, after he returned from World War II. They raised their family in Lincoln.

She was a 53 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Temple Chapter 271, loved Bridge parties, gardening, dances, the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Hank Williams, Jr., She met Louis Armstrong, and loved her friends and gave a kind smile and thoughts of encouragement to all she met. Dorothy always told people she loved them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers John and Gus Sakelaris. She is survived by her daughter, Carla Rae, and partner Kent Wolgamott, her son, Eric and wife, Joan, and her sister Elaine Sandridge, of Kimball, and many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, and great nephews and nieces.

A celebration of her life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27th, at Butherus, Maser and Love Funeral home, 4040 A Street. A reception will follow.

Dorothy lived to the blessed age of 91 through God's grace, and the skilled care of Dr. Douglas Pope, Bryan Heart Institute, Bryan Pulmonary Group, Bryan Hospital, the outstanding Tabitha Martin Green House Staff, and the fourth floor Rehabilitation Group at Tabitha.

Memorials may be sent to Friendship Home, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Tabitha. Condolences may be left at http://www.BMLFH.com