Dolores (Rathman) Dorland

Dolores Dorland age, 100 died peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato, at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be the same day from 9:30 a.m. to 11 at the church.

Dolores was born July 29, 1924, in Comfrey, Minnesota, the daughter of Edwin and Amelia (Eckstein) Rathman.  Dolores grew up on the family farm and graduated from Comfrey High School in 1941.  Dolores received her teaching degree at Mankato State College and started her teaching career in Lewisville and Adrian, Minnesota. 

Dolores met her husband, Russell, at college and married in June 1946.  Her years were filled with raising 12 children, community work, church and school activities.  Dolores joined Russell on 12 trips fitting eyeglasses in third-world countries.  She was actively involved in collecting used eyeglasses and organizing trips. Dolores enjoyed traveling and camping.  After the children had grown up, she and Russell visited all 64 Minnesota State Parks.  Interests in later years included YMCA water aerobics, bridge, reading and playing Scrabble and other games.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially holding the babies and reading books to the toddlers.   Dolores enjoyed the family reunions and when asked what brought her joy, she responded “my family.”

In February 1995, Dolores married Wallace Stelter.  They lived together in North Mankato, enjoying winters in the South and playing games of Farkle with their friends. Wallace's seven children and grandchildren welcomed Dolores into their family, and all loved her.

Dolores was a peaceful, grateful servant.  Her faith was the foundation of her life.  Even as dementia increased, she remained positive and graceful.   She recently told her daughter, “I am happy.  What’s not to be happy about?”  The staff at Water’s Edge loved her smile and sweet demeanor.

Dolores is survived by her husband, Wallace of Mankato.  Her children:   Douglas Dorland of Palmer, Alaska;  Peggy (Ted) deBuhr of Lakewood Ranch, Florida;  David Dorland of North Mankato;  Paul (Mick) Dorland of Mankato; Steve Dorland of Phoenix, Arizona;  Mary Dorland (Javier Botella) of Charlotte, North Carolina;  Lucy (Terry) Thisius of Palmer, Alaska;  Charles (Nancy) Dorland of Plymouth, Minnesota;  Ann (Sid) Jarrett of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota;  Anthony (Jean) Dorland of Crystal Minnesota;  Lisa (Mike) Johnson of St. Clair, Minnesota, her 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. 

Dolores was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell, in 1989; her son, Robert, and her daughter-in-law, Jane; her parents, Edwin and Amelia; her brothers, Wilfred, Val, and Robert Rathman; and her sisters, Gladys Laik, Irene Rathman, and Marion Frandrup.

The Dorland family would like to thank Water’s Edge Assisted Living for caring for Dolores this past year and Ecumen Hospice for their care and support during these past two weeks.

Memorials preferred to:

Loyola High School or VINE – Meals on Wheels

The time has come for me to leave this life.  I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.

Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy