Dorothy Jennie Stolhanske — Staples

Dorothy Jennie Stolhanske, of Staples, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, at the age of 83, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Dorothy was born to the late John and Mabel (Nelson) Johnson on Sept. 11, 1930, in Little Falls.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mabel Johnson, her brothers, Arthur and Clifford Johnson, her sister, Virginia Krengel and her niece, Jackie Aschittino.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Richard; her children, Doug Stolhanske, Dave Stolhanske, Dan (Maria) Stolhanske, Donn (Ruth) Stolhanske, Kathy Stolhanske and Kerry (Aaron) Wager; her two sisters, Elaine Munson and Shirley Newman; and seven grandchildren, Nicole and Justin Stolhanske (Donn), David Stolhanske (Dave) and Branden, Jaxon, Elly and Carsen Wager (Kerry). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy loved spending time with her family and it usually involved many hours of playing games. If you spent time with Dorothy, you probably have played a game of Scrabble or Upwards with her. She loved crafts, sewing, knitting, gardening, and almost any game, with her favorites being bingo, Scrabble and Skipbo. She loved traveling and had many great trips with her dear friend, Velma. Dorothy loved learning and had many jobs over the years. She was a teacher, nurse's aide, foster grandparent at the local elementary school, EMT and police/ambulance dispatcher.

Dorothy was very loved by her friends and family and will be sorely missed.

She is in a better place now, free of pain and cancer, and we look forward to seeing her again someday in Heaven.