Dorothy June Grabow

Dorothy June Grabow, Detroit Lakes, passed into the loving arms of her Savior and her husband, Harry, on May 15, 2021, at Oak Crossing. Also, welcoming her were her parents, Charles and Ethel (Bell) Higgins.  She was born June 24, 1923, in Hutchinson, Mn.  She graduated from Litchfield High School in 1941, then went on to college at Hamline Asbury School of Nursing and graduated with an RN degree in 1945.  

Dorothy married Harry Grabow on July 7, 1944, at Fort Dix, New Jersey. They were married for 52 years until Harry passed away in 1996. In 1948 they moved from Minneapolis to Detroit Lakes.  She worked as a clinic and private duty nurse, until her 33-year career at St Mary’s Hospital began as an obstetrics RN.  

Dorothy’s greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed many hobbies and activities including gardening, knitting, crafts, playing cards, golfing, square dancing, camping, and especially singing in the church choir.

She served in the Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church.

Dorothy is survived by her children:  Richard (Gail), Jeffrey (LeAnn), Gordon(Nancy), June (Jerry), and Jon (Sue); grandchildren:  Daniel, Jennifer, Kelsey, Nicholas, Andrea, Matthew, Riley, and Lindsey; great- grandchildren:  Charlie, Ellie, Cora, Dawson, Brekken, Emmie, Theodore, Anna, Ellie (Elizabeth), Preston, Parker, Lilia, and Lukas. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Florence Higgins, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to Harry and her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Emogene Fuglsang, brother Elvin J. Higgins, and brother-in-law, Harold (Bud) Fuglsang.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Oak Crossing Meadowbrook Neighborhood and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation will be held at the West Kjos Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 23, from 5:00 – 7:00.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at the United Methodist Church of Detroit Lakes.

Dorothy Grabow Memorial Folder