Dorothy Helen Hogwood

Dorothy Helen Hogwood, affectionately known as Helen, left this world on September 25, 2025, at the age of 89, in Belton, Texas. Her services will take place on October 2 at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Temple. A meal with the family will follow directly after the service. They want to invite everyone to attend and bring a hearty appetite to celebrate their mother in the most honorable way by serving everyone and sharing stories about her memories. Burial will take place at 12:45 pm at Temple Garden of Memories.

Helen was born on March 14, 1936, in Walburg, Texas, to Oswald Ray Neitsch and Anita Louise (Morkisch) Neitsch. She was one of 17 siblings and attended Zion Lutheran Church with her family, where she was confirmed in 1950.

She later became a devoted wife of nearly 45 years to Curtis Hogwood, whom she married on April 22, 1961. Helen was the proud mother of four. She was not just a mother but a source of strength and inspiration. Her devotion and support for her children were always evident as she never missed an event they were involved in. It is still a mystery how she was able to appear at multiple events and locations for each of them on a single day.

Throughout her life, Helen demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving others. Her memory is fondly marked by her talent for cooking, particularly her famous chicken spaghetti, as she often prepared enough to feed an army, even when cooking for just herself. She later found joy in serving the other residents at Park Place Manor, where she has lived for the past eight years. She has always dedicated her time and love to those who needed assistance. Her kindness and giving heart knew no bounds; she was always there, ensuring that everyone around her felt cared for and loved. She mostly communicated her love by sharing her prepared meals, snacks, and candy. Even in her final days, if you went to see her, she was giving you a cookie, candy, or a soda that she had obtained as winnings from one of her residential games at Park Place. No grandchild or great-grandchild ever left her presence empty-handed.

Helen held her faith close to her heart, deeply loving the Lord. Her devotion guided her actions and shaped her connections with those around her. Known for her loving personality, she maintained her Lutheran faith after marriage at Immanuel in Temple until Prince of Peace Lutheran Church opened in Belton. Proud to be a charter member, Helen dedicated over 40 years to her church, serving in the choir and performing in every Christmas cantata. Her passion for singing was clear to all who knew her, as she poured her heart into every note for her Lord.

She leaves behind a vibrant family that includes her children: Mike Hogwood and his wife Catherine of Waco; Keith Hogwood and his wife Jennifer of Belton; Doug Hogwood and his lifelong partner Lois of Killeen; and Susan Kolodziejczyk and her husband Chris of Belton. She is also survived by her sister Margie Nell Faltesek of Taylor; her grandchildren: Meaghan Wheelis and her husband Matt; Angela Bacon and her husband RJ; Lauren Bates and her husband Scott; Eric Hogwood and his wife Samantha; Lorna Fritz and her husband Bryce; Misty Johnson and her husband Jeremy; Wendy Hogwood; Cooper Kolodziejczyk; and Grace Kolodziejczyk; along with 18 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and two cherished daughters, Charmaine Hogwood and Jacqueline Peters.

Helen also leaves behind her Park Place Manor family, who have loved and cared for her over the past eight years.

She is now reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Curtis, her parents, and her siblings: Ruth Domel, Johann Neitsch, Adolph Neitsch, Bernhard “Ben” Neitsch, Johanna Alford, Nelda Hamilton, Ernest “Buddy” Neitsch, Emma Hardin, Maybelline Kattner, Josephine Louise Neitsch, Marie Neitsch, Louise “Gertie” Barber, Robert Neitsch, Gustav “Gus”; Neitsch, and Oswald Ray “Nickey” Neitsch.

In remembering Helen Hogwood, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with service, love, and an enduring commitment to family and faith. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Helen’s honor to a charity of your choice, to Our Hospice House at 5235 Tollbridge Rd, Belton, TX 76513, or online at ourhospicehouse.org or The Ronald McDonald House in your area at https://rmhc.org/ .