Martha R. Dobbelaere

Martha R. Dobbelaere, age 96 of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday morning, April 1, 2021, at Hastings Health and Rehabilitation ~ Augustana of Hastings. Martha Rose, the daughter of Julius and Irma (DeMeersseman) Vandermeersch, was born on March 31, 1925, in Ghent, Minnesota. On April 28, 1948, Martha was united in marriage to Raymond F. "Ray" Dobbelaere in Ghent, and he preceded her in death on December 9, 2008. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved to cook. Later in life, she also worked at Smead Mfg. and in the kitchen at St. Boniface Catholic School. Martha was a faithful woman and a longtime member of The Harbor Church where she enjoyed volunteering in any way she could. Most of all, Martha cherished the time spent with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; son, Donald; four sisters; and by two brothers in infancy. Martha is survived by her children, Richard (Brenda) Dobbelaere, Mary (Dennis) Balitz Mann, Barbara (James) Menge, Mark (Margaret) Dobbelaere, and Joan (Don) Allery; daughter-in-law, Karen Dobbelaere; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, and one great great grandson; and by other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Pastor Jim Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Harbor Church, Hastings MN. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday morning, all at the funeral home. A livestream will be provided on Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel Facebook for those unable to attend. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.