Dorothy Helen Coffeen

Dorothy Helen Kittelson Johnson Coffeen was born in Lake Park, Minnesota on November 7, 1915.  She moved with her family to Ballantine, Montana when she was four years old and grew up there.  She moved to LaPorte, Indiana after WWII where she raised her family.  She loved LaPorte and never wanted to live anywhere else.  She often talked about seeing LaPorte for the first time as she drove in on Pine Lake Avenue, which at the time was covered by a canopy of maple trees.  She often remarked how beautiful it was.

She married twice and had six children: Robert S. Johnson of Trinity, Texas, Ladonna C. Taylor of Evanston, Illinois, Dorcus J. James of Mesa, Arizona, Peggy J. Urbanski of Battle Ground, Indiana and Jay D. Coffeen of LaPorte, Indiana, all of whom survive her.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

One son, Jack S. Johnson of Kingman, Arizona preceded her in death as did a grandson, Brian Johnson of Arizona.  Also, preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Clara Kittelson, three brothers, Lester, Glenn and Donald Kittelson, and four sisters, Lola Russell, Margaret Peterson, Clarabelle Jensen and Ruth Ann (Nan) Cook, the only sibling from LaPorte.

In her youth, Dorothy worked at Yellowstone National Park.  She loved to dance, loved sports and lettered in basketball in high school.  She also loved doing crossword puzzles, reading, gardening and yardwork.  She was physically very active until vision loss and arthritis prevented her from doing these things.  She followed LaPorte sports teams on the radio and was always rooting for the Slicers. Her family was her whole life and her greatest treasure.  She was a sweet and wonderful lady and will be greatly missed.  She requested no memorial service and will be cremated.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave, LaPorte, Indiana, is in charge of arrangements.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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