Longtime Albany resident Dorothy Jean Bower Wimpelberg (97) died Friday, December 8, 2023, at Albany Health and Rehabilitation Center. Dorothy was born in Lawrence, IN on July 28, 1926, to Benjamin Franklin and Beatrice Mae Griffice Bower. Dorothy graduated from Lawrence High School during WWII, and their family welcomed many soldiers on leave from Fort Benjamin Harrison into their home, including a young Emil Wimpelberg, from Evansville. After high school Dorothy worked for a time at L. S. Ayres in Indianapolis until she married Emil on July 24, 1949. They moved several times with Emil's job in banking until settling in Albany in 1963 when Emil came to work for Albany State Bank (now Chase) where he served as cashier and director. Dorothy enjoyed keeping their home first on Gillcrest Dr. and later on 167 just north of town, reading and gardening, volunteering for groups in the Albany area, and membership in the Twentieth Century Club and Reticule Circle. The Wimpelbergs had no children, but they loved to visit with family and Dorothy's nieces and nephews. Dorothy was well known for her beautiful decorations, delicious foods, and inviting parties, which were not to be missed.

Surviving are seven nieces and nephews and their families.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Emil; her parents, Frank and Bea Bower; sister, Beatrice Ruth Lee, and brothers Benjamin Robert and Charles Stewart, as well as three nephews: Jeff Lee, Gary Lee, and Ben Henry Bower.

Memorials can be made in her name to the Salvation Army or Muncie Mission.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Strong Cemetery.  The public is invited to attend.