Dorothy Thoennes

Dorothy Louise Thoennes was born on July 30, 1953, in Alexandria, MN to Gerhard and Millie (Stich) Thoennes. She was the youngest of nine siblings and raised on a farm near Millerville. Dorothy graduated from Brandon High School and then attended Alexandria Vocational School and received a certificate in Medical Secretarial. Dorothy then moved to St. Cloud and worked at the St. Cloud Hospital as a coder for 30 years. In 2003, Dorothy moved back to Alexandria and worked at the Douglas County Hospital until she retired at the age of 60.
Dorothy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Daughters of Isabella, and was a willing volunteer at the church and enjoyed serving or delivering meals for Thanksgiving. She enjoyed doing puzzles, fishing, country music, watching TV games shows like Wheel of Fortune; playing cards, especially 500 and Smear; playing Scrabble and Mexican Train. Dorothy enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Her most recent trip was a fall color cruise up the East Coast. A trip that was a highlight was a 2010 tour of 5 European countries. Most important to Dorothy was her faith, family and friends. She will be remembered for her graciousness.
Dorothy died on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her brothers, Bernard (Kathleen) Thoennes of Brandon, Gerhard (Kathy) Thoennes of Alexandria, and John (Donna) Thoennes of Millerville; sisters, Muriel (Arnie) DeBilzan of Center City, MN, Ursula (Richard) DeBilzan of Vadnais Heights, MN, and Melanie (John) Boesen of Alexandria; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Gerhard and Mille; sisters, Theresa Feda, and Bonita Thoennes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:30 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.