Dorothy was born August 29, 1921 in Verdigre, NE to Frank J. and Antoinette (Maly) Studeny. She graduated in 1940 from Guardian Angels High School in West Point. Dorothy was united in marriage to Frederick L. Gelster in St. Louis, MO on July 14, 1947. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Christian Mothers, St. Mary’s Guild, and Catholic Daughters. Dorothy served as Chairman of Cuming County Heart Association and was a Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, and 4-H leader. She retired from West Point Living Center dietary department after 26 years. Dorothy volunteered at St. Joseph Retirement Community, loved polka music, and was a woman of faith. 

Dorothy is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Claudia Gelster of West Point; daughters and sons-in-law, Patty and Lloyd Van Buren of Irene, SD, and Sharon and Jerry Gaunt of Fuquay Varina, NC; grandchildren Lloyd Van Buren, Jr., Nicole Watson, Scott Van Buren, Brian Gelster, and Audrey Shedd; and ten great-grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Fred in 1999; parents; sister Lillian Schultz; and brother Adolph Studeny.