Dorothy Louise (Klekamp) Mansholt

Dorothy L. Mansholt

Faithful servant, Businesswoman, Mayor

Dorothy Louise Mansholt, 93, of Litchfield, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026. She was born in Litchfield, IL on August 5, 1932, a daughter of Theodore William and Amanda Wilhelmina (Sewing) Klekamp. Dorothy graduated from Litchfield Community High School as Valedictorian of the class of 1950. She was employed by Litchfield Milnot Creamery from 1950 – 1955. Dorothy married Lorman Maynard Mansholt on September 18, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield., and they enjoyed fifty-eight years of marriage until his passing on July 16, 2014. Together, in 1963, they purchased the 66 Motel Court in Litchfield, where they worked and resided for seventeen years. In 1978, they purchased The Gardens Restaurant and Motel, of which they operated for twenty-three years. The couple enjoyed many years of travel in the U.S. and abroad. They especially enjoyed long weekends at their home on a lake in Cherokee Village, Arkansas and spending time at her family’s Centennial Farm in South Litchfield. Dorothy and Lorman looked forward to spending winters in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, for over twenty years.

Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She was a faithful member serving in various capacities including organist, choir director, Ladies Aid Member, Sunday school teacher, Bible class leader and cast member of The Promise. She was also a district and internation officer for Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and a board member of Lutheran Child and Family Services and KFUO radio station. Her servant’s heart led her to volunteer and serve in other community organizations, including Zonta Club, Woman’s Club, Senior Achievers, Litchfield Chamber of Commerce and St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed serving as a board member of the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Litchfield Veterans Memorial and the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. Dorothy was elected Mayor of Litchfield in 1989 and was a dedicated public servant for the two terms she served.

Most of all, her greatest pride was being “Grandma Dorothy” to her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by:

Daughters, Jane (Jim) Martin and Nancy (Scott Cossiboom) Hyam, both of Litchfield

Grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) Dougherty, Erik (Meghan) Hyam, Renee (John) Wynn, Erin Dougherty, Stephanie (John) Clayton, Chris (Carrie) Martin, Brad (Darchelle) Martin, and Jeff (Heather) Martin.

Great-grandchildren, Megan, Nolan and Nathan Dougherty, Bennett and Fletcher Hyam, Abby (Eric) Barcum, Kelly (Diana) Bergman, Andrew Bergman, Nicholas (Brigid) Farrar, Eden Kresko and Reid Kresko, Hayden Johnson, Abby, Abri, Julian, Finley, Addy and Colton Martin

Great-great-grandchildren, Mia Choc, Avery, Lainey and Perry Barcum, and Tegan and Torin Bergman

Extended family, Brian, Chad (Holly) Cossiboom, Beth (Jason) Lackey, and Abby, Noah, Jude and Micah Cossiboom

In-laws, Elva Klekamp, Orville and Carol Mansholt, Iona Goebel, and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Bernice Ostermann, brothers William Klekamp and one in infancy, and in-laws Walter Ostermann, Bob and Verda Bussmann and Wilbur Goebel.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or School, 1301 N. State St., Litchfield, IL 62056 or the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, 334 Old Route 66 N., Litchfield, IL 62056.

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