Dorothy Anna Brekken

Dorothy Anna Brekken

Dorothy Anna Brekken, 96, of Crookston, MN, died peacefully early Friday morning, August 12, 2011, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston, with her daughter-in-law, Jeanne Brekken, at her bedside. Dorothy had been battling leukemia for several weeks and had entered the Villa in late July.

She was born in Rhodes, Iowa on March 5, 1915, to Henry and Elizabeth (Tinner-meier) Pester. The family moved to North Dakota in 1916 and Dorothy attended country schools in Grand Forks County and Johnstown. In 1929 the family moved to rural Crookston and she completed her education, graduating from Central High School in 1933. On January 26, 1934 Dorothy was united in marriage to Romuald Brekken. Three children were born to their union: Marilyn, Lyle, and Ronald. In 1936 they moved from Crookston to rural Euclid, MN, where they farmed until 1941. They then moved to a farm south of Crookston, near Greenview. Dorothy served on the school boards at both Euclid and Greenview. In 1949 the family moved into Crookston, and in 1963, after her children had graduated from high school, Dorothy began working as a bookkeeper for the Crookston Farmers Elevator, a position she held for eleven years. When Dorothy and Romuald retired they enjoyed traveling, making trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and many other States. Sadly, Romuald passed away on April 30, 1980. Dorothy continued to enjoy traveling with friends, visiting several European countries and more of the States. In 1993 she sold her home and moved to the Barrette Arms Apartments, and several years later to Summerfield Place. Dorothy was a devoted member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish, and was active in St. Francis Circle, the general aid, and the Cathedral Choir. She also volunteered her time and talents at the church for many years. Dorothy was a charter member of the Crookston Eagles Auxiliary and was honored on her 96th birthday for her many contributions to that group. She was a member of the Euclid and West Fairfax Homemakers Clubs for many years and held several offices in both clubs. In August of 2000 Dorothy was honored as Crookston's 'Citizen of the Month', with a reception held at the Golden Link. Her favorite pastimes included working in her flowers, oil painting and ceramics, and doing puzzles. She was an accomplished card player and belonged to several bridge clubs. Dorothy's greatest joy was the love of her family, and the friendships of many. Her greatest sadness was attending the funerals of her three children; something no parent should ever have to do. May God richly bless the memory of Dorothy Anna Brekken.

Loving family members, grateful to have shared in Dorothy's life, include her daughter-in-law, Jeanne Brekken of Maple Lake, near Mentor, MN; a sister, Wanda Brekken of Crookston, MN; thirteen grandchildren: Michael Radi, Daniel (Correen) Radi, and Brian (Beth) Radi, all of East Grand Forks, MN, Deborah (Lawrence) Pankonin and Denise Radi- Bordelon of Grand Forks, ND, Vicki (James) Mitzel of Maple Grove, MN, Theresa (Michael) Porter of Orlando, FL, Janelle (Scott) Hegrenes of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Robin (Karen) Brekken of Crookston, Scott (Jenni) Brekken of Orono, MN, Jon (Renee) Brekken and Patrick (Julie) Brekken of Lakeville, MN, and Rachelle (Todd) Larin of Bloomington, MN; fifty-seven great and great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding Dorothy in death were her husband, Romuald; her three beloved children, Marilyn Radi and her husband, Victor; Lyle Brekken, and Ronald Brekken and his wife, Sandra; a great-granddaughter, Pamela Gillett; a great-great granddaughter, Maren Dobrovolny; her parents, Henry and Elizabeth Pester; two brothers, Charles (Etha) Pester and Harlan (Erin) Pester; and two sisters, Margaret (Ben) Strickler and Marian (Michael) Carroll.

The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Dorothy Brekken, will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Very Rev. Bob Schreiner, presiding.

Visitation will be at the Cathedral on Wednesday from 5-7:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, and also for one hour prior to the funeral service.

Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Crookston.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given in Dorothy's memory to the Villa St. Vincent Foundation.

The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements

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