Dorothy J. Dixon

Harvard resident Dorothy J.Dixon, 76, passed away Saturday, Janauary 15, 2011 at the Harvard Rest Haven. Rosary will be Monday, January 17, 2011 at 7:30 PM at the St. Josephs Catholic Church, in Harvard, NE with Father James Benton officiating. Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, at 10:30 AM at the St. Josephs Catholic Church, in Harvard, NE with Father James Benton officiating. Burial will be in the Harvard Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, January 17, 2011 from 12 noon to 6 PM at the Alberding-Wilson Funeral Home, Harvard, NE. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. Dorothy was born September 13, 1934 in Fort Monmonth, New Jersey to Army Major Larry Asmus and Dorothy Ferguson. Major Asmus was later stationed in Saint Paul Minnesota which they considered home. She spent her primary and secondary school years in St. Paul. Dorothy began dating Air Force Private Thomas Dixon when she was 14 years and they married one year later on May 7, 1951. At age 16 her first child, Laura Lee Dixon, was born. Thomas was transferred shortly after the birth to Chteauroux, France. Later that year Dorothy joined him traveling via cargo/passenger ship. While in France their second child, Thomas Patrick, was born. They returned home to Saint Paul, Minnesota, after two years in France, where their third, fourth and fifth children, George, Michael and Colleen were born. Thomas was transferred to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1959 where her daughter Sharon was born. Later they were stationed in Apalachicola, Florida and from there spent three years in Yakota, Japan. Upon returning from Japan they settled in Harvard, Nebraska where her son Tim was born and where the family has since called home. Thomas served two tours of duty in Vietnam and Thailand during the Vietnam War while Dorothy remained at home caring for their seven children. Dorothy worked a variety of jobs in Harvard but ultimately began working for Mary Lanning Hospital where she was employed for twenty six years. Dorothy was involved in many different volunteer positions including Cubs Scouts, Catholic Youth Organization, and organ player for Saint Josephs Catholic Church. In 1969, she traveled to Washington DC to accept an award, on behalf of the town of Harvard, as one of Americas best small towns. Dorothy is survived by her husband, children, Thomas Patrick Dixon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, George Dixon of Coppell, Texas, Michael (and Karla) Dixon of Columbus, Nebraska, Colleen (and Harlan) Schriner of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sharon (and Dean) Schaneman of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Tim ( and Stephanie) Dixon of Coppell, Texas, cousin Eleanor Marie Bonier of Saint Paul, Minnesota, 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, one brother Larry, one daughter Laura Lee Mewhirter and a grandchild Brent Dixon. Memorials may be given to the Mary Lanning Memorial Health Care Hospice, Hastings, NE.