Dolores “Dode” Wilson, age 92, of Cambridge and formerly of Thief River Falls, died December 25, 2013 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Friday, January 3rd at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls. A visitation will be held from 5:00 -8:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY, January 1st at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel, and also one hour prior to the funeral FRIDAY at the church in Thief River Falls. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Dolores Ariel Wilson was born September 28, 1921 to Charles and Rose (Zavoral) Votava in Thief River Falls. She was raised in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School. On October 10, 1942 she married Irvin James Wilson in Chicago, Illinois. Dode was a homemaker and raised their six children in Thief River Falls. She served as a leader in Cub Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts. She was deeply involved in Eastern Star and Job’s Daughters, as well as helped Irvin in Elks Club, Masons and the American Legion Club. Dode served her church all her life in many ways, including teaching Sunday School and serving Communion; and volunteered twice a week at the hospital in CNC and the gift shop for over twenty years. She worked at Halls Flower Shop and the family businesses, Wilson Sports Centre and Plamor Bowling Alley. Dode was an accomplished artist and won a couple of contests for her oil paintings.
Dode will be remembered by her six children, David C. Wilson of Rochert, Diane R. Danielson of Warba, Roger I. (Dorothy) Wilson of St. Cloud, Rocky E. (Becky) Wilson of Cambridge, Arlene D. (Steve) Furuseth of Rochert, Barbara E. (Dan Kuhl) Wilson of Ely; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and one on the way; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and Gene Gunstenson of Meadowlakes, Texas; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dode was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irvin; brother, Robert Votava; sisters, Adeline Kane, Vivian Forbes, Evelyn Duppenthaler; sons-in-law, Norman Tunheim and Dan Kuhl.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, January 3, 2014 at United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. Rob Kopp officiating. Paula Stroble Adamson will serve as organist with special music by Kevin and Darrin Wilson. Pallbearers will be Dode’s grandchildren. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Kelly says
I was fortunate enough to be able to care for Dode while she was at GracePointe Crossing. She was an amazing women with many words of wisdom. I will never forget her taking my hand and telling me I was doing God’s work. She would make my day just by smiling at me and asking me how I was doing. My prayers go out to you and your family. You will be greatly missed.
Bev Rupprecht says
Dode was a very special lady who won many hearts and touched a ton of people’s lives. Her smile was infectious and she had a way of making everyone feel so special. Dode always thought of others and was a wonderful volunteer at Northwest Medical Center. We all looked forward to the days she worked and enjoyed our lunches together. She was a dedicated christian who shared her faith with others. Dode was so proud of her family and I was fortunate to met a lot of you at the gift shop. Your family has been in my prayers since she moved to Cambrige as I know this has been a difficult time for all of you. I espically remember the day I had coffee with her at her house before she left. Everytime I walk past my rhubarb patch I think of Dode as she gave me some roots from her famous plants to get me started. Dode’s memories will always hold a special place in my heart. What a good friend. Bev Rupprecht, former volunteer coordinator.
Janet DeLap Griffith says
So sorry to hear of Dode’s passing. Knew the family well as a child, growing up in Thief River Falls, & after I had left in 1974, then moved back in 2003, worked with her at the Hospital coffee, & gift shop on Monday’s. She was missed when she was unable to work anymore, & know that you will miss her. When the furneral was here was unable to attend because of a cold, so sending you lots of hugs, love, & prayers to get you through the bad parts, as soon the good memories will take over. God’s blessings to you all.