Elsie Dorothy Mathwig

Elsie Dorothy Mathwig, 94, of Papillion, NE and formerly of Fort Dodge, IA, died Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Hillcrest Shadow Lake in Papillion. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 S. 9th Street – Fort Dodge, with Rev. Dan Kahl officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow at 1:30 PM at the Wall Lake Cemetery in Wall Lake, IA. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Elsie was born September 19, 1929, in Wall Lake, the daughter of Paul F. and Amanda A. (Weurdemann) Mathwig. She attended school in Wall Lake. Over the years, she worked at Fort Dodge Regional Hospital (Laundry Department) and did nannying in both Fort Dodge and Omaha. She retired at the age of 65. Throughout her life, Dorothy embodied the essence of simplicity and purity. She was a devoted and godly woman who found solace in reading her Bible and reciting scripture. She was very spiritual and let her faith guide her every action. She lived her life with the intent to do as the Lord would want her to do, embodying a sense of purpose that inspired those around her. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was active in Bible study, as well as Women’s & Quilters Group. Dorothy deeply valued family and enjoyed creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Family picnics were a cherished tradition, where laughter and love filled the air. Dorothy enjoyed playing games - especially BINGO. She also dedicated her leisure time to the joy of reading, particularly enjoying works by Joyce Meyer. Dorothy's adventurous spirit led her on bus trips across the country, where she delighted in exploring new sights with friends. Her independent nature shone brightly as she embraced journeys both near and far, never letting the lack of a driver's license hold her back. Her great curiosity drove her to continue learning throughout her life. Though Dorothy never married, her abundance of love radiated from her very being, touching the lives of all who crossed her path.

Dorothy is survived by many nieces and nephews including David and Paula Olson of Branson West, MO; as well as many extended family members. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings: Albert Mathwig, Louis Mathwig, Edna Taylor, Alma Caldwell, Rosetta Olson and infant sister: Jeanette. 

As we reflect on the life of Elsie Dorothy Mathwig, we are reminded of her beautiful commitment to faith, family, and friendship.