Dorothy passed peacefully on the Wegner ranch, which she called home for 72 years. Her caregiver Norma was with her and reading scriptures at the time of Dorothy's passing. It was a beautiful day with a view of the property landscape and cattle roaming. Dorothy now rests at peace in Heaven, with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who she loved and cherished her entire life.

Dorothy was born at home in Niederwald, Texas, (near Austin) September 1929. Her early life was not without its challenges. Shortly after her birth, her parents separated. Dorothy's older brother Leonard lived with his father, Ottmar Ernest Ulbricht. Dorothy lived with her mother, Albertina Hartwig Ulbricht and maternal grandparents Albert Emil Hartwig and Carolina 'Lina' Pape Hartwig in Caldwell County. Albertina became ill and never recovered and remained at the Kerrville State Hospital until her death. Dorothy and her grandmother Carolina moved to New Braunfels from about 1936-1940 until her grandmother became ill. Interestingly, Dorothy was predominantly German speaking until she started first grade due to her grandparent's influence. Dorothy then moved to Burnet, Texas to live with her cousin, Jack Ulbricht's family until their home burned down.

Dorothy moved to New Braunfels and became close friends and schoolmates with Elizabeth (Liz) Zunker (later Blacksmith) in New Braunfels and was readily welcomed to come live with the Zunkers (Fred and Vera) and their children Arvid, Liz, Margie, Carolyn and later Joanne from about 1942-1946. Dorothy and Liz were matron and maid of honor at each other's weddings and friends forever. Their descendants remain close to this day and consider each other "family." Both ladies' children referred to Fred and Vera Zunker as "Opa and Oma."

Dorothy eventually rented a room on South Academy St. in New Braunfels and began her secretarial career at Bock Motor Company, the local Ford, Lincoln & Mercury dealership. She loved her job and loved the Bocks, who treated her like family. The Bocks would later become Godparents to the three children of Dorothy and Morgan, and they remain a treasured part of the Wegner's decedents' lives to this day.

Dorothy worked at Bock Motor Company from 1946-1952. In 1951, she met the love of her life, Morgan Wegner, when Morgan came into the dealership with his rancher parents, Rudolph and Minnie Posey Wegner. Bennie Bock II stated during a video interview in 2009, Rudolph and Mr. Bock would spend an entire morning discussing everything but vehicles, then go to lunch, then return to finally get down to business of buying a vehicle. Of course, Morgan got bored with the long ordeal, so started talking to Dorothy, and as Dorothy often said, "the rest was history." Dorothy and Morgan got married on 29 May 1952 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. Mr. Zunker walked Dorothy down the aisle. A reception, for 50 guests followed at Mission Valley Guest Ranch which is now T Bar M, with a honeymoon trip following to Arizona and Colorado.

Morgan built a home in 1951 on the ranch while managing about 500 head of cattle and 2000 head of Spanish goats. Those early years of marriage were fraught with the worst drought in Texas history from 1950-1957. Morgan worked tirelessly from sunup past sundown burning prickly pear needles off cactus for the animals to eat as the pastures had no forage. In addition, Morgan had to frequently dip livestock for seed ticks and treat for screw worms, until eradication in 1966.

Those were challenging years for Dorothy in other ways, too. Morgan's parents originally did not condone (or attend) the wedding as they felt Dorothy was a "city girl" and would not survive the rigors of ranch life. Imagine Dorothy moving out to a remote part of Comal County with no ranching experience, with in-laws who did not favor the marriage. Dorothy, friendly as always, started sewing dresses for Mrs. Wegner, took her shopping, to the beauty shop, and accompanied her on other engagements. She spoke German with Mr. Wegner. So, in no time the Wegner's grew to love and adore Dorothy as a daughter.

As Dorothy's in-laws aged, they took road trips to New Mexico and other places for sightseeing or to participate in cattle auctions. Mrs. Wegner would often bring home beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry to Dorothy, which remain family treasures. Dorothy and her in-laws bonded beautifully, and Dorothy proved her worth and work ethic repeatedly.

Dorothy often cared for orphaned Spanish goat kids, took endless trips into town to buy ranching supplies for Morgan, and prepared meals for the ranch workers. As Morgan's parents aged, Dorothy coordinated caregivers for them. Minnie passed away in 1959 and Rudolph in 1960.

The long drought, endless work, caregiving for Morgan's parents, and the daily responsibilities of running a ranch didn't leave Dorothy and Morgan much time to have children during those early years. At last, Monica was born 1957, Marshall in 1959, and Michelle in 1961. The children didn't realize it at the time, but they had an enchanted early life observing Morgan working the ranch, and Dorothy sewing, cooking, assisting with the children's school projects (including 4H and FFA), etc. Morgan and Dorothy were excellent parents and happy to see their children attend Grace Lutheran Church School from 1st to 7th grade, led by Pastor Paul and Dorothy Geiger, with teachers, Mrs. Geiger, Mrs. Mauldin, Mrs. McCarty, and Mrs. Bergum. The families remain lifelong friends with the Wegner's and their descendants. All three children were baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, and Monica and Michelle were married there.

In addition to Dorothy's ranch life, she enjoyed a robust social schedule, joining great organizations like the Beta Sorority (75 years), Conservation Society, working at the Sheriff's Posse at the Comal County Fair, the Red Hat Group, and in her later years Daughters of the Republic of Texas (through her Pape, Vogel, and Schertz family lineage). She was an active and faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Dorothy had a giving personality, treasured friendships, and nurtured relationships. She made all family birthdays and Christmases such memorable events. Dorothy was an excellent cook, baker, and canner. Making a favorite poppy seed cake with homemade vanilla ice cream for Morgan's birthday. Each year during deer season, Dorothy would help Morgan prepare and smoke deer sausage. They both loved to entertain at home with Morgan preparing the beef entree and Dorothy all the rest.

Dorothy was an excellent seamstress and made Halloween costumes for her children each year. She also made tablecloths, wreaths, decorations, covers for the children's show calves and lambs, Christmas ornaments, and helped sew quilts with the team at Grace Lutheran Church.

Eventually, they were able to enjoy life outside of ranching duties, and they traveled with their children and other friends. Some destinations included frequent Hereford cattle auctions in Denver, Colorado; the rodeo in Calgary, Canada; Alaska; Australia; Europe; Fiji; Hawaii; Japan; and Qatar.

Based upon the long relationship with the Bocks and Bock Motor Company, Morgan always assured Dorothy would drive Thunderbirds and later Lincolns with Morgan giving Dorothy the last vehicle for their 37th wedding anniversary in May 1989.

Morgan passed away in September 1989, while working on the ranch, due to a heart condition and Dorothy was only 60 years old at the time. Instead of selling the ranch after Morgan was gone, Dorothy buckled down while in mourning, made all the correct decisions with professional help, and retained the ranch and operations, although on a smaller scale. This "city girl" had adapted beautifully to ranch life, while also enjoying a busy social schedule with countless great friends and relationships. Dorothy was a wonderful friend to all that knew her.

We, the Wegner family, pay tribute to Dorothy's love, spiritual guidance, and endurance which allows us to retain much of the wonderful lifestyle we enjoyed growing up, and future generations as well.

Dorothy is survived by daughter Monica C. Wegner Walker Malek, (Lawrence), son Marshall B. Wegner, and daughter Michelle S. Wegner Kilbourn, (Robert).

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica Walker Berry, (Trae), Garret Walker, Renee Kilbourn Carnahan (Brandon), Rebecca Kilbourn Miller, (Matt), and great grandchildren Brooklyn Berry, Drew Berry, and Owen Carnahan.

Our family wishes to thank Norma, Eliza, Cris, Becky, Blanca, and Rebecca, for their loving care during these past years with mom, mom's physical therapist Zach, and Pastor Mel from Grace Lutheran Church who brought mom communion each month.

We pay tribute to the choir of Grace Lutheran Church, San Marcos, Texas for the beautiful songs titled Lift High the Cross and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God sung at Dorothy's services with organist Courtney Baxter accompanying.

Pallbearers: Trae Berry; Daryl Fuhrmann; Robert Kilbourn; Wes Malek; Garret Walker; Duane Williams

Service Conducted by: Pastor DuBois and Pastor Hein, both with Grace Lutheran Church

Burial Service at Comal Cemetery: Pastor Dubois

Donations may be made to:

. Grace Lutheran Church, 1250 Belvin St, San Marcos, Texas 78666

. Sophienburg Museum & Archives, 401 W. Coll Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130

. Hope Hospice, 611 N Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

. Charity of your choice

Funeral Service Date and Time: Friday 16 May 2025 at 10:30 am

The funeral services will be conducted at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home

189 N. Seguin Ave, New Braunfels.

A brief burial service will be held at the nearby Comal Cemetery

301 Peace Ave, New Braunfels.

Those who wish to attend the burial are welcome or may proceed directly to the reception at:

New Braunfels Conservation Society

1300 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels

Lunch will be served by Clear Springs Catering.

Please join us in celebrating Dorothy's life and share your reflections and memories with her family and friends.

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com