Dorothy Tronnes

Dorothy May Tronnes, age 87, of Crookston, MN, died early Sunday morning, December 9, 2012, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with her family at her side. Dorothy was born at Norton, MA on October 11, 1925, the daughter of James Patrick and Olive Garrity. After graduation from Attleboro High School, in Attleboro, MA, she was employed at a factory located in the city. Dorothy eventually met Irvet Tronnes through a pen pal correspondence. Soon after they began writing to each other Irvet traveled to Attleboro to meet her. They were united in marriage at Attleboro in August of 1946 and moved back to Minnesota, settling on Irvet's farm near Nielsville. Five children were born to their union: Nancy, Steve, Gary, Randy, and Corinne. Dorothy was employed at Jiffy Fry in Crookston, and later worked in the housekeeping department of RiverView Hospital for many years. After her retirement she lived in the Oak Court Apartments in Crookston and then moved to Climax, MN for several years. She became a tireless volunteer at Crookston's Golden Link Senior Citizens Center, and won an award for her 11 years of service. After her "second retirement" from her years of volunteer work she moved to Hopkins, MN to be near her daughter, Corinne. While there she became a member of the Red Hat Society. Dorothy loved hats and had a rather large collection; in fact, she would not leave her home unless she was wearing one of them! After a few years she moved back to Crookston, making her home at Oak Court for the second time. Dorothy collected owls and teddy bears for years believing they brought good luck, and her home was full of them. Dorothy enjoyed doing puzzles, reading, and playing games. Nothing brought her more joy then watching her grandchildren grow up and have children of their own. Other favorite pastimes included sewing clothes for dolls and playing with trains on the living room floor. Dorothy's home and heart were always open to her family and friends. She was a loving, spirited woman who adored her family and always looked forward to their visits. Even in her later years it was hard to keep up with her. She loved being active and socializing with her friends and family. May God bless the memory of Dorothy Mae Tronnes. She is deeply loved by her family and will be forever missed. Dorothy is survived by her 5 children: Nancy (Larry) Nichols of San Antonio, TX, Steve Tronnes of Halstad, MN, Gary (Louise) Tronnes of Denison, TX, Randy (Grace) Tronnes of Climax, MN, and Corinne Miller of Hopkins, MN; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. She also leaves 5 sisters: Muriel, Myrtle, Mable, Florence and Carole; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; and several siblings, including a brother, James. A memorial service for Dorothy Mae Tronnes will be held at 10:30a.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN, with The Rev. Jo Gast, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour before the service. The family asks that in honor of Dorothy's life all ladies are encouraged to wear a favorite hat.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Service
Wednesday, December 12, 2012