Dorothy A. Ficek, 83, Dickinson, died Sunday, August 16, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Dorothy’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2015 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant, and assisted by Deacon Ron Wolberg. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with Deacon Ron Wolberg presiding.
Dorothy “Dot” Splichal was born February 5, 1932 in Dickinson, one of 12 children of Anton and Emilie (Kostelecky) Splichal. She lived on the family farm southwest of Dickinson, where at age 14 she was struck with polio. While in the hospital, determined to walk again, she did her own exercises and returned home after nine months, able to walk. This determination and courage was seen all her life and has inspired many, especially her children.
Dorothy was educated in Dickinson/Versippi and went on to North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. She received her associate degree in Secretarial Studies. She was employed at the Highway Department after graduation, and later was the accountant for the Music Hut, co-owned by her and husband, Bob.
Dorothy was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Ficek on November 12, 1952. They went on to have six children. Her greatest passion was being a homemaker and raising their family. She was a gifted seamstress, which led to sewing her own wedding dress, clothes and costumes for all her children and grandchildren, as well as, for other people as a business. Dorothy and Bob were avid gardeners, and loved to share their produce, along with her baked goods, with neighbors. Her other interests were baking, quilting, puzzles, photo albums, and resting in the sun. She was a Camp Fire Leader, an active member of Catholic Daughters, and a faithful member of St. Wenceslaus Church. Above all, she enjoyed gathering with her children and grandchildren, whether at their activities or in their own home with unique food and festivities. Her chicken noodle soup and rohlicky were the best. She loved giving homemade gifts and care packages.
Dorothy’s later years were marked with physical difficulties, but her determination and gentle spirit surfaced in these times. She was cared for at St. Benedict’s for the last three years. Surrounded by her family, she passed away peacefully, having trusted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She will be missed dearly, but we rejoice that she is now able to run and walk freely with Jesus eternally!
Dorothy is survived by six children, Duane Ficek, Dickinson, Royce Ficek, Spokane, Wash., Glenn (Jone) Ficek, Greeley, Colo., Perry Ficek, Spokane, Wash., Jodene (Paul) Kessel, Dickinson, and Darcea (Dave) Haar, Centennial, Colo.; daughters-in-law, Della Ficek and Mary Ficek; 21 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Emma Sadowsky, Dickinson, Jim (Mary) Splichal, Dickinson, Lillian Dobitz, Billings, Mont, and Aggie (Joe) Wandler, New England. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, on August 28, 2013; her parents; brothers, William, Joe, Tony, Vince, Steve and George; and sister, Mary.
