Dorothy Katherine Evanson

Dorothy Katherine Evanson, a beloved sister, aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother, suffered a stroke the day following her 70th birthday and passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the sounds of her family on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. She was born on April 18, 1954, in Rochester, Minnesota on Easter Sunday, to Harriet (Koepke) and Paul Kelly.

Dorothy was the second oldest of eight girls. As a child, Dorothy participated in 4-H, where she developed her love for community involvement, learning, and skill-building. Her experiences in 4-H instilled in her a strong work ethic and a desire to give back to her community.

Dorothy attended Preston-Fountain High School. After high school, she pursued a passion for nursing by attending the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. While attending Saint Teresa, Dorothy met her future husband, Paul Evanson, through mutual friends. They were married in 1976, the same year Dorothy graduated from nursing school. Dorothy and Paul have been part of the Winona community ever since, leaving a lasting impact on the area through their active involvement in local events and initiatives.

Dorothy began her nursing career working nights at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse, WI before moving to Winona Health, where she worked for 35 years and made many life-long friends. Dorothy retired in April of 2020, after working her last shift under full COVID-19 protocols.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Dorothy’s greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Paul, her children, Randi (David) Arndt and Tim (Laura) Evanson; and her grandchildren, Ruby and Cullen Evanson, and Agnes and Amelia Arndt. She also leaves behind six sisters and many extended family members.

Dorothy encountered hardships in her life including the loss of her mother to breast cancer when she was in high school and her father shortly after she graduated college. She twice survived breast cancer herself, most recently in 2022.

Dorothy enjoyed reading, crosswords, puzzles, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She was known for knitting in the stands while attending her children’s activities and sewed or knit many items for family and friends.

Her talents and generosity extended beyond her family, as she actively volunteered in her community. This included years of church bazaars and school fundraisers, a Girl Scout leader, and a stint as the band “uniform lady” for both St. Stans and Cotter Marching Band in the 90’s.

Dorothy was also the family chauffeur, transporting her children to their various activities. She was always there to support them and ensured they could pursue their interests and hobbies. She wanted to be sure they had opportunities she did not have when she grew up.

More recently, she attended the St. Casimir’s quilting circle, enjoyed being a member of the Winona and Fillmore County historical societies, getting together with her “Ladies Who Brunch” group, and traveling to the cities to stay at her children’s houses and attend her grandkids’ events.

She was practical, undemanding, reserved, and always willing to support or care for those dear to her in need. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Harriet and Paul Kelly, and her sister Jane Nelson.

Dorothy will be cremated and laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery in Minnesota City. A wake will be held on Thursday, May 9th from 4:00-7:00pm at Fawcett Junker Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Casimir’s Church in Winona on Friday, May 10th at 11 a.m. presided by Father Mark McNea. A brief visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Procession to the burial will happen directly after the Mass and a luncheon will be held at St. Casimir’s following the burial.