Dorothy M. Lax

Dorothy M. Lax, age 89 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on September 28, 2026, at Divine Providence Community Home. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye with a Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 3:45 p.m. prior to the visitation. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. Interment will be at Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Dorothy Mathilda Lax, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Domeier) Helget, was born on June 21, 1937, and was raised with her siblings on the family farm in Sigel Township. She attended country school in her younger years and completed her schooling at Holy Trinity Catholic School in New Ulm, graduating in 1955. After high school, Dorothy began working in the X-ray department at Loretto Hospital in New Ulm.

Dorothy celebrated the happiest day of her life on September 18, 1956, the day she married the love of her life, Albert Lax, a young gentleman whom she met at George’s Ballroom in New Ulm. Over their nearly 53 years of marriage, they worked side by side on the farm, raising their ten children, delivering countless meals to the field, growing bountiful produce gardens, including the strawberry patch, and being appreciative of the land that supported their family. Dorothy also had a gift for growing beautiful flowers, with red mums being her favorite.

Faith-filled with a servant’s heart, Dorothy was a member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth where she found great purpose in Christian Mothers, CCW, being a parish rosary leader, and a Eucharistic Minister. She lovingly sewed baptismal garments with great care. Additionally, Dorothy used her gifts of service, attention to detail, and humility in her sacred work as a Sacristan.

An anchor for her family, Dorothy was selfless and resilient. She quietly shared her wisdom, carried a big stick when needed, and always made sure there was room for one more at the table. Dorothy loved her family wholeheartedly and she will be missed beyond measure.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Steven (Jeanette), David (Mary), Judy (Joe) Schwartz, Deb (Scott) Beltz, Randy (Diane), Rick (Monica), Lisa (Gary Walter), Cindy (Dell) Marti, Amy (Dana) Berg, and Sara (Karl) Sand; 33 grandchildren, Jeremy (Sheila), Michael, Mark (Katie), Melissa (Jamie), Ted (Krystal), Michelle (Darin), Pat (Erin), Paul, Tim (Cassie), Brian (Abby), Emily (Jeremy Moe), Liza (Brandon), Jake (Cherie), Molly (Andy), Nick (Alicia), Amanda (Chris), Adam, Leah (Aaron), Angie, Nathan (Taylor), Jennifer, Molly (Cody), Jonny, Joe (Alysia), Holly (Michael), Jamie (Tristan), Hannah (Shane), Natalie, McCoy, Cody (Nikita), Cole (Kali), Alex, and Belle; 58 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Delores) Helget; several nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

Along with her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert; brother, Walter; sister, Arlene; and grandsons, Christopher Lax and Jamie Gray.