Dorothy Louise Abts

Dorothy Abts, age 89, of Cottage Grove, passed away on September 1, 2026.

She was a pioneer in the computer programming field when computers were novel, and very few women entered the profession. After getting her bachelors degree in math and physics, she went on to get her MBA and then her PhD from the University of Minnesota while working full-time and raising four children.

She was a devoted wife to Jim for 60 years until he passed in 2020.

Dorothy loved the out-of-doors and enjoyed many canoe trips to the BWCA and Quetico, family camping trips, time spent with family at our family cabin, gardening and going for walks on the beach in Gulf Shores, AL. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting, creating many beautiful projects.

She's proceeded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Fant, and Phyllis Brahm and brothers, Lionel Jr. and Robert.

Dorothy is survived by her children Kathy (Doug Peters) Abts, Deb (Peter) Lane, Jim Jr. (Joy) and Barb (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, Ian (Arlene), Maggie (Jen), Rachel, Colleen (Jason), Evan (Erin), Nina, Molly (Danny), Aidan, Emily, Marcus, Raelea, and Zoe; great-grandchildren, Calvin, Scarlett, Jade, Bastian, Matthew, Noah, and Baby Girl (due in October).

Service details are pending and will be posted shortly. Please check back soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Polish Museum, Winona, MN.