Doris Thamert

Doris Mae (St. John) Thamert, 86, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023 at her home in Rochester with her family by her side. She was called Dorie by all of her friends, and there were many.

Dorie was born on September 20, 1937 in Ceylon, MN to parents Cecil and Mae (Ash) St. John. She graduated from Ceylon High School in 1955 and then attended Mankato State University where she received a BA degree in 1959 with Masters equivalent.

Upon graduation from college, Dorie started teaching at Country Club Manor in Rochester, MN. Before the present school building was built, school was held in houses for over a year. Her career spanned over 33 years teaching elementary education in Rochester, MN schools. She was a beautiful, talented teacher who loved to teach dancing to children to get their day started.

Dorie met Kenneth Thamert in college, and on June 16, 1962, the couple were married in Rochester, MN. They were happily married for 61 years.

She is survived by her husband, Ken; daughter, Julie (Joe) Lightfoot of Cypress Falls, TX; son, Scott Thamert of Rochester, MN; Grandchildren, Steven, Stephanie, Susanna and Samantha Lightfoot of Texas, and Hunter Thamert of Wisconsin; brother, Dan (Renee) St. John of Fairmont, MN; and sisters, Cher Theisen of St. Cloud, MN, Judy Terhune of Willmar, MN and Scarlett (Larry) Slater of Sabin, MN.

She was loved by family, friends, and so many former students. Dorie enjoyed dancing, swimming, skating, bowling, puzzles, reading, playing cards, and baking cookies.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Pax Christi Catholic Church (4135 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901). There will be a visitation on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home located at 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, in Preston, MN at a later date. There, Dorie and Ken will join and partner together in eternity.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Thamert family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfrazandvinefh.com.