Dorothy Kleinjan Schiek - Land O’ Lakes, Florida

June 1, 1939 - Jan. 2, 2022

Posted

Dorothy Kleinjan Schiek, daughter of Lester Kleinjan and Sadie (Algra) Kleinjan was born June 1, 1939, in Volga, South Dakota. Dorothy grew up on the family farm near Oakwood Lakes.
Dorothy’s first grades of education were completed in a one-room country schoolhouse.
She had many fond memories of those days which included the annual Christmas program, pulling the desks close to the floor heat register on cold winter days, and learning and reviewing as each student spent time on the “recitation bench” with the teacher. After graduation from Volga High School (now Sioux Valley) as valedictorian of her class, she attended Wheaton College in Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.
While at Wheaton, she met Karl Schiek and they were married shortly after her graduation on Dec. 29, 1961.
They lived in Wheaton, and she taught first grade. When their daughter, Kristin, was born, she was a stay-at-home mom. In 1974 the family moved to Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and Dorothy returned to the teaching profession.
She taught in the Pasco County School System for 30 years, retiring in 2004. Dorothy loved the challenge of teaching and loved to share the joy of teaching children. She would always say, “I know without a doubt this is what God wants me to do. It is a very rewarding career.” Dorothy loved the interaction with the other teachers and students. Helping them and learning from them brought real enjoyment to her.
Upon her retirement she was excited to be able to spend time with her precious granddaughter, Rachel. They would go to the park, the library, the zoo, have teatime, make cookies, or sit and read books and color. “Building memories” is what she said.
She continued to play the piano at her church and participated in the music program. Retirement was also a time to do yard work and read books. She also taught piano lessons for 10 years during “retirement.”
Dorothy passed away on Jan. 2, 2022. Dorothy is survived by her husband Karl, one daughter, Kristin (Brian) Greene, granddaughter Rachel; three brothers, Jim (Bev), Tom (Carol), and Russ (Barb) (Bruce, South Dakota); one beloved sister and best friend, Marge Pike (Jackson, Minnesota); and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy had the rich heritage of growing up in a Godly home with parents and grandparents that taught her as a young child the stories of Jesus and his love. She knew firsthand a true dependence on God and his life-changing power. Her goal in life was that she be found faithful to God and family. He was her peace, provider, protector, and nothing could separate her from the love of God.
A memorial video can be viewed online at: https://www.trinitymemorial.com/obituaries/Dorothy-Schiek/
A memorial/committal service will be held at a later date in Volga, South Dakota.
If you wish to send condolences or memorials to the family, please send to Karl Schiek, 3430 Lake Padgett Drive, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34639.