Dorothy Anderson Holte

Dorothy Ann (Roch) Anderson Holte of Grand Forks and Larimore was born August 17, 1926 to Helen (Schable) and George Roch near Kempton, ND. She died on April 10, 2017 surrounded by family.


Growing up during the Great Depression, Dorothy developed a strong work ethic and deep Catholic faith, working on the family farm with her parents and four siblings. She attended a one-room school near the farm through eighth grade, Larimore High School for one year and St. John’s Academy in Jamestown for two years. Due to gas and other rationing during World War II, she transferred to St. James Academy in Grand Forks, where she graduated with honors in 1944. Dorothy received a teaching certificate from Mayville Teacher’s College and taught grades 1-8 in a one-room school house.

Douglas Anderson captured her heart and they were married June 9, 1947 in St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Larimore. Dorothy was devoted to her family, encouraging faith formation and many activities for their seven children. She kept a spotless home, many colorful flowerbeds, and a very large fruit-vegetable garden from which she canned and made jams and jellies. She enjoyed cooking and baking as the house was often filled with the aroma of freshly baked buns for family dinners. She served countless cups of coffee and cookies to visiting neighbors. Doug and Dorothy hosted many large holiday gatherings for extended family at the Anderson farm. She worked at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Larimore for many years. She was a loving and dedicated wife to Doug for 47 years, as they worked in the Larimore area and treasured their winters in Texas during retirement, until Doug’s death in 1994.

Dorothy was devoted to her Catholic faith and enjoyed volunteering at St. Stephen’s Church where she sang in the choir, was active in St. Theresa’s Circle of the Altar Society. She was a charter member of the Merry Nighters Homemakers’ Club.

She was swept off her feet at a dance by Harold Holte, whom she married at St. Stephen’s on September 11, 1999. Their seventeen-year marriage was a second blessing for both as they enjoyed daily walks, weekly dances, and many warm winters in Texas.

Dorothy loved playing piano, watching hummingbirds, and spending time with family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Holte, Grand Forks; siblings: Ron (Marilyn) Roch, Northwood; Nola (Howard) Drewlo, Arvilla; and Larry (Kay) Roch, Grand Forks; sons: Greg (Sandy), Andover, MN; Floyd, Larimore; and Mark (Peggy), Bismarck; daughters: Nancy (Bill) Faber, Tyler, TX; Donna (Norman) Koning, Hastings, MN; Jo Anderson, West Fargo; son-in-law Tom Holland, St. Michael, MN; stepchildren: Russ (Becky) Holte, West Fargo; Carolyn (Ray) Topass, Frankfort, KY; Craig Holte, Fargo; and Janet (Dale) Kopecky, Crookston, MN; grandchildren: Chris (Laura) Holland and Patrick J (Katie) Holland; John Anderson and Carrie Anderson Hughes; Sarah, Emily, and Eric Anderson; Kayla Anderson, Carmen Anderson (Dan) Hasson, and Paul Anderson; Peter Faber, Katherine Koning, and Amber Roberg, and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathleen (Roch) Dyre, first husband Doug Anderson, daughter Virginia (Ginny) Holland, and step-son Greg Holte.

Visitation will be at Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore, 5-7 PM Thursday, April 20th, with Rosary at 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Larimore, on Friday April 21st at 10 AM, followed by interment at Bellevue Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of donor’s choice.

The Anderson and Holte families express their deepest gratitude to the talented and caring professionals and staff at Altru Hospital and Rehabilitation Center and Valley ElderCare in Grand Forks with special thanks to Dr. Casey Ryan. Dorothy received the very highest level of quality and compassionate care.