On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio, Doris Maxine was born to the parents of Norman and May (Ecklund) Dunkle. Moving to Minneapolis at a young age, she grew up with her 4 brothers and 2 sisters, creating many fond memories along the way. Doris graduated from Washburn High School in Minneapolis.
On April 6 at the Richfield United Methodist Church in South Minneapolis, Doris married a young man named Stanley Brown. They were blessed with three children, Marlene, Susan and Michael. Family was always most important to Doris. She was able to stay home to raise her children until Michael was older. Entering the work force, Doris worked as a cashier for Jim Brady Drug Store in Savage. Expanded her horizons, she then worked for many, many years as a cook for the Burnsville School District, until she retired in the late 90’s.
As a couple, Doris and Stanley loved deer hunting, casting a rod into the lake and riding the snowmobiles during the winter. As a family, they especially treasured their summers visiting Doris’ sister’s cabin in Randall, MN. In December of 1979, her world changed with sudden passing of her husband.
In her spare time, Doris loved working with the flowers, enjoyed the companionship of her dog, Buster and spending time with her family. A dedicated woman of faith, Doris also loved having coffee with friends and co-workers.
At the age of 82 and a resident of Savage, Doris passed away peacefully with her daughter at the side the morning of Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at The Lodge on Natchez in Elko, MN.
Forever loved, Doris will be deeply missed by children, Marlene (Robert) Clark of Naperville, Il, Susan (Richard) Hennes of Webster, Michael (Jennifer) Brown of Savage; grandchildren, Jennifer Thompson, Justin Clark, Robert Hennes, Danelle Borgmeyer, Keelee Hennes, Brittany Hennes, Nicole Brown and Marissa Brown; great-grandchildren, Carter and Devyn Thompson, Liam and Morgan Clark, Sam and Lilly Hennes and Mason Westphal; brother, Ralph (Sandy) Dunkle of Apple Valley: sister, Jean (Ron) Rasmussen of Bloomington; sisters-in-law, Marge Dunkle and Tommie Dunkle; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Doris is preceded in death by husband, Stanley; parents, Norman and May; siblings, Bud Dunkle, Bob Dunkle, Lloyd Dunkle; and sister, Joan (Art) Senart.
The visitation will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at church. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Thursday, October 13 at 11 a.m. at the Glendale United Methodist Church, 13550 Glendale Road, Savage, MN. Pastor David Taylor will be officiating. Doris will be laid to rest next to her husband, Stanley at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
The Brown family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
