A Tribute to Dorothy Neuhaus

On June 16, 2025, Dorothy Neuhaus passed away at the age of 101 years.  Before coming to Vermillion, Dorothy was a scientist who had received a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Michigan.  In 1966, Dorothy came to Vermillion with her husband, Otto Neuhaus, Ph.D. who was chair of the Department of Biochemistry in the University of South Dakota School of Medicine for 22 years.

Dorothy was profoundly influential in Vermillion, as a founding member of the Friends of the W. H. Over Museum in 1967, manager of the museum gift shop, and curator. Initially the Friends of the W. H. Over Museum supported the museum by raising funds and developing museum activities. When the museum moved out of the Carnegie building in 1984, Dorothy spearheaded fundraising efforts to construct a new building and exhibits. By 1996, the Friends took on a bigger role of managing the museum when Dorothy became Director of the museum, a role she held for several years.

As a community member, Dorothy was instrumental in the development of the recycling center in Vermillion. She was president of the Vermillion chapter of the League of Women Voters. Protection of Spirit Mound and strong ties to the Native American community over many years lead to Dorothy become an honorary tribal elder. She also had close ties to the Trinity Lutheran Church.

For her hard work and innovation in so many ways and important contributions to the community, Dorothy was named Volunteer of Year on several occasions.  In her later years, Dorothy and Otto had a business on Elm Street called Ot ‘n Dots that sold Native American artwork, antiques, and collectibles including parts of Otto’s extensive pewter collection.

With her quiet, firm demeanor and amazing contributions to the community, she was a role model for individuals of all ages. As stated in her obituary: “She lived with purpose, grace, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She was, in every sense, a ‘force of nature’, a title she more than earned-and truly, a hard act to follow.”

References:

 Interview on “Unplugged” when Dorothy Neuhaus was 100 Years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo8e6fK9jME

Dorothy Neuhaus obituary. https://www.plaintalk.net/obituaries/article_5e811a1e-05df-470a-91b4-d3aa20ab100a.html

A 1968 picture of Mrs. Byron Harrell (secretary of the Friends of the W. H. Over Museum), Dorothy Neuhaus (president of the Friends) and Dr. James Howard Director of the W. H. Over Museum standing before the David Barry photograph exhibit in the W. H. Over Museum. University of South Dakota Photograph Collection. Series 10; 9735.2.