Dolores L. (Olson) Brunkow, age 92 of Darlington, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Lafayette Manor in Darlington. She was born March 20, 1925 the daughter of Gilman and Emma (Anderson) Olson. Dolores graduated from Darlington High School in 1942. She was united in marriage to Robert C. Brunkow on Oct. 1, 1943 in Dubuque, Iowa. Dolores lived in the Darlington area her entire life where she farmed with her husband in Fayette Township. She was the director of Dietary Service at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, Mineral Point Care Center, and Lancaster Care Center until retiring in 1994. Following her retirement, she worked part-time at Hardees in Darlington and later at Dick’s Supermarket.
Dolores is survived by her three children: Susan (Randy) Windle of Circle Pines, Minn., Jane Brunkow of Belmont, and R.J. Brunkow of Darlington; six grandchildren: Tasha (Pat Boyle) Gallagher, Brooke (Mark) Arntzen, Robyn (Geoff Griep) Osterhues, Adam Blaser, Bo Brunkow, and Tyler Brunkow; six great-grandchildren; and one very special sister: Helen Brunkow of rural Darlington. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob on May 31, 1995; three children: Terry Brunkow, Linda Blaser, and Barbara Brunkow; one granddaughter: Dulcey Blaser; and three brothers.
Dolores was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church and very active in its Women of the ELCA, She taught Sunday School for 45 years, was Sunday School Superintendent and served on the church council. She was also a charter member of Lafayette Manor Auxiliary and was a proud member of Lafayette County Historical Society and Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Auxiliary of Darlington. Dolores was very well liked and was known as Grandma “Do” to many children in the community. She adored all animals and loved to make her fried donuts for her family and friends. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren’s athletic and interscholastic events. Dolores will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
A funeral service was held Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church (1302 Clay Street, Darlington) where Rev. Craig Simenson officiated. Burial was held in Union Grove Cemetery. A visitation was held on Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at Grace Lutheran Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Dolores’s name.
Dolores Brunkow
1925 - 2017