Dorothy J. Knierim, the daughter of Lloyd Tenny and Vera M. (Hawley) Batton, was born January 4, 1934, in Oak Creek, Colorado. She attended North Nodaway High School, Hopkins, Missouri, graduating in 1952. She then attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri. While in college, she participated in the marching band, playing the English Horn but she played the French Horn for concert band, and was a writer for the campus newspaper.

On December 27, 1953, Dorothy was united in marriage to John H. Knierim, Jr. in Hopkins. They made their first home in Rapid City, South Dakota, during John’s military service. This is where they had their first child, Tom Knierim. John received his honorable discharge on March 2, 1955, and they returned to the Knierim Family Farm, northwest of Rock Port to raise their family, having two more children, Sue and Jim. In 2018, Dorothy and John moved into Rock Port where they lived until the present time. John passed away in December of 2022.

Dorothy was an active farm wife and homemaker, caring for her children. Later in life, Dorothy was employed at the State of Missouri’s Visitor’s Center at Rock Port on Interstate 29, which she enjoyed greatly and showcased her bubbly personality, her abilities to learn and share information, and her deep knowledge of the history of the northwest part of the state of Missouri. Her employment there was an asset to the family farm business due to benefits, and she helped many travelers plot their Missouri adventures and destinations until her retirement.

Dorothy was a very active member of the First Baptist Church, Rock Port, teaching Sunday School to multiple generations. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Rainbow for Girls Assembly #58, Rock Port. In her later years, Dorothy adored her family of Red Hatter ladies, a group of sparky and spunky women that all had passed through lives requiring courage and grit, which they celebrated with undaunted cheerfulness, colorful dress, fun group outings and sturdy support for each other.

She was known by many as a helper in times of need, cooking and gifting meals for folks that needed comfort. She loved spending time with her family and beloved pets, including many dogs but especially her kitties. She was a lover of reading and surrounded herself with books of every subject; history, fact or fiction. Her beloved personal book collection would parallel many small town public libraries. After John’s passing, Dorothy was very proud that she was able to live by herself in their home in Rock Port until two months before her passing. She moved to The Brant at Gretna Senior Living, Omaha, Nebraska, in September of 2025 and passed away there Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 91.

Besides her parents and husband, John Knierim, Dorothy was preceded in death by son, Thomas Knierim; infant great-granddaughter; brothers, William (Judith) Batton and Robert (Ada) Batton. Survivors include children, Sue (Kip) Karges, Tuscola, Texas, and Jim Knierim, Louisville, Nebraska; daughter-in-law, Peggy Knierim, Rock Port; grandchildren, Kristan Knierim, Price, Utah, Shawn (Elizabeth) Knierim, Rock Port, and Colton (Terrill) Karges, Plano, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Jason, and Lisanna; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Rock Port Baptist Church, Rock Port conducted by Pastor Richard Boettner. There is no scheduled visitation. Inurnment will be at Linden Cemetery, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to Tarkio Technology Institute, Tarkio, Missouri, or The Lofte Community Theatre, Manley, Nebraska. Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online obituaries and condolences can be found at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.