Dorothy Syhre

Dorothy Syhre of Watertown, passed away, Monday, December 1, 2025, at her home in Watertown.

Funeral services will be 11am Monday, December 8, 2025, at the funeral home, Pastor Dan Overbo will officiate. Burial will be at the Webster Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-4pm Sunday, December 7, 2025 beginning with a 2pm prayer service officiated by Pastor Mike DeKraai, at the funeral home.

Dorothy Elaine (Hanson) Syhre was born on May 30, 1931, in Eugene, Oregon, to Oscar and Agnes (Valsvig) Hanson. Dorothy was baptized at Springfield Lutheran Church in Springfield, Oregon and later confirmed at Butler Lutheran Church in Butler.  In 1937, the family moved to the Webster, South Dakota, area where she attended country school near the family home and graduated from Webster High School with the Class of 1949. Dorothy continued her education at South Dakota State University for a year before returning home to Webster.

On December 11, 1949, Dorothy married the love of her life, Maynard Syhre, in Butler, South Dakota. They made their home near Pierpont and welcomed three children: DeWayne, Danny, and Deanne. In 1950, they moved to a farm south of Webster, and in 1959, purchased a farm northwest of Roslyn. There they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and the rhythms of farm life. Dorothy remained at home to raise their children and was an invaluable partner in the farming operation.

In 1973, the couple retired from farming and moved into Webster, where Dorothy continued her lifelong habit of staying busy. She worked for area businesses including Hahler Auto, Red Owl, the Elevator Store, and the Webster hospital as a bookkeeper. Keeping active kept her young, and she carried that spirit into their winter stays in Arizona beginning in 1982, where she worked at both a local newspaper and a resort. In 1992, Dorothy and Maynard moved to Watertown. After Maynard’s passing in 2013, Dorothy continued to live independently in Watertown, where she remained until her passing.

Dorothy was a devoted member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown and active in WELCA. Over the years, she served as a 4-H leader, taught Sunday school, served as a member of Sons of Norway, and was a founding member of Business and Professional Women (BPW). She also volunteered regularly at the Watertown Senior Center.

A gifted and passionate quilter, Dorothy created hundreds of quilts throughout her lifetime. Each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and even great-great-grandchild was blessed with one—or several—of her beautifully crafted pieces. Her hands were rarely still; she also found joy in gardening, sewing, and an array of crafts.

Dorothy passed away peacefully at her home in Watertown on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the age of 94 years, 6 months, and 1 day.

Grateful for her life and love are her children: DeWayne (LaDeen) Syhre of Bowdle, SD; Danny (Gretchen) Syhre of Brookings, SD; and Deanne (Keith) Gould of Clear Lake, SD; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Maynard, six brothers, two sisters, and one great-grandson, Parker Syhre.

Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and the beauty created by her generous hands. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.