Dorothy Mae Graunke

Obituary

Dorothy Mae Graunke was born on March 5, 1930, in Glencoe, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Fred and Frieda (Susdorf) Aul.  Dorothy was baptized in her faith as an infant on March 23, 1930, by Pastor E. Kolbe and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on May 3, 1942, by Pastor Streufert, both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.  She received her education in Glencoe and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1947.

On June 10, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to Wilbur Theodore Graunke at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, MN.  The couple made their home in rural Young America where they were engaged in farming for 36 years.  Their marriage was blessed with four children, Allen, Susan, Gary, and Randy. The couple enjoyed spending annual trips with the family to the Park Rapids/Nevis area, so much so that they moved there following retirement. Dorothy and Wilbur shared over 45 years of marriage until Wilbur passed away on May 30, 1996.

Dorothy was employed at Tonka Toys in Mound, Minnesota, for 15 ½  years. She was then employed at ProTech in Waconia, MN, for 10 years and retired in 1993. Dorothy was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America, MN. She was a member of the LWML, the Alter Guild, and the World Relief Quilting Group. She volunteered her time at St. Johns church, the Bethesda Thrift Store, and the local Food Shelf as well.   

Dorothy would be described as a strong-minded and determined lady. Dorothy enjoyed going up north with her family camping, fishing, and playing cards. She also enjoyed going for walks and relaxing with a good book. Dorothy truly cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.

In 2014, Dorothy moved from her home in Young America to The Villa at Peace Village in Norwood Young America, MN, making it her home for the last 10 years. Dorothy passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota, at the age of 94 years and 14 days.  Blessed be her memory.

Dorothy is survived by her
Children,  Allen Graunke of Norwood Young America, MN,
                 Susan Graunke of Bemidji, MN,
                 Randy Graunke and his wife, Brenda, of Bloomington, MN;
Grandchildren, Tanny (Alex) Reagan, Phillip Graunke, Dan (Erin) Matter, Tristan (Jon) Mors, Gerrick (Denise) Quaas, Justine (Charles) Chatman-Lueg, Leiha (Janna) Johnson, Shannon (Bernardo) Bandeira, Chelsey Graunke, Max Graunke;
Great-Grandchildren, Jon and Mackenna Quaas, BZ Reagan, Emma (Darian) Dominski, Asher, Axel, and Eden Matter, Leo Bandeira;
Siblings, Bill (Evelyn) Aul of Bloomington, MN, Alice Lachermeier of Winsted, MN, Mary (Glenn) Mueller of Norwood Young America, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Graunke; Parents, Fred and Frieda Aul; Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law, Albert and Emma Graunke; Son, Gary Graunke; Sisters, Evelyn (Don) Stottlemire, Esther (Wayne) Howe.