Dolores M. "DoDo" Van Orsow

Dolores M. “DoDo” Van Orsow, age 95, of Faribault, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Dolores Marie, the only child of Corneilus and Mary (McDonnell) Hickey, was born on November 14, 1929, in New Prague, MN. She grew up on a farm outside of Montgomery. She attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1947. Following high school, she attended the College of St. Theresa in Winona, MN. Dolores then worked as a teller at the State Bank of Faribault. On October 3, 1953, she was united in marriage to Duane (Dewey) Van Orsow at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault. Dewey preceded her in death on July 18, 1994. 

After marriage, Dolores devoted herself to her family. She raised eleven children, caring for them with her characteristic love, patience, and optimism. She was the heart of the family, instilling faith and values and providing unwavering support.

As her children started their own families, Dolores showered equal devotion on her thirty-two grandchildren and her (at present) thirty-two great-grandchildren. She loved cuddling with the babies, and as they grew, she rarely missed any of their sporting events and other activities. She regularly baked their favorite chocolate cake for birthdays and her signature apple pie much to their delight. 

Dolores also dedicated herself to her faith. She loved attending Mass and reciting the rosary. She put her deep faith into action through volunteering at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. This included CCW, I.C. Rosary Society Martha Circle 39, Befrienders, and the Rectory cleaning group. She and Dewey also served as Marriage Coordinators and were recognized as members of Bethlehem Academy’s Court of Honor.

She is survived by her children, Paul (Denise) Van Orsow and their son Andrew; Chrisann Harck and her children, Chad, Jessica (Kyle) Treadway, Samantha (Kurtis) Martin; Jane (Brian) Studer and their children, Angie (Brian) Gjerde, Brian (Kerry), Katie (Brian) Roers, Jim (Ann); Carol (Terry) Hafemeyer and their children, Carissa (Mike) Muehlenbein, Tim (Laura), Holly (Marcus) Heemstra; Mark (Lisa) Van Orsow and their daughter, Julia (Edem) Folly; Donna (Chris) Hanson and their children, Matt (Rachel), Beth (Drew) Hill, Jake; Laura (Ed) Hoisington and their children, Kevin, Megan (Nick) Ronning, Eric, Ryan; Dan (Beth) Van Orsow and their children, Claire, Anna, Lucas; Mary (John) Tuvey and their children, Ben (Ashley), Mariah, Elliott (Amanda), Amanda, Becca; Terese (Brian) Larkin and their daughter, Carolina; Ann (Jeff) Neu and their children, Dylan (Kayla), Jennifer, Rachael; thirty-two great grandchildren; by her sister-in-law, Kathy Van Orsow and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter, Amber Van Orsow; son-in-law, Terry Harck; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Vernon (Beverly), George (Marie), Evelyn (Jerry), and Tom. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to services.

The family prefers memorials be directed to the Dewey and Dolores Van Orsow Scholarship Fund at Bethlehem Academy High School in memory of Dolores.