Obituary/Dorothy Theresa Kalinowski

Dorothy Theresa Kalinowski

Age 81, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026. She was a wonderful person and a very special auntie. She will be greatly missed!

Dorothy was born on May 26, 1944, in Roseau, Minnesota. She was the 3rd daughter of Mary and Andrew Kalinowski, along with her siblings Bernadette and Marie. They grew up on their Polish family farm in Greenbush, Minnesota. She was very proud of her Polish heritage. In previous years, you might have heard Dorothy on the phone with her cousins, Georgine or Gerald, speaking or even singing in Polish.

Dorothy graduated from Greenbush High School in 1962. After graduation, she wanted a change from living and working on the farm, so she moved to the Twin Cities. She worked for an insurance company for a year or two, then began her career with the Minnesota Workers Compensation Insurers Association. She made many friends there, including her lifelong friend, Linda Hanson. After 43 years at MWCIA, Dorothy retired in 2007.

Dorothy enjoyed music, especially singing. She had a beautiful voice. She also liked to dance and play the piano, organ, accordion, and guitar. She also enjoyed travelling to many U.S. states. She especially enjoyed her vacation time at Satellite Beach, Florida.

Dorothy was very active at The Church of the Assumption in Richfield, where she was a member for 50 years. She was involved in prayer groups and Bible studies, and even helped with the flowers so the altar looked beautiful for the weekend mass. She volunteered at various organizations, including Loaves and Fishes, Bridging, and VEAP.

Dorothy liked watching the MN Twins play. She tended the most beautiful flowers at her Richfield home. She loved to get all “dolled up,” wearing pretty jewelry, having her fingernails painted, her hair curled, and darling outfits on! She was a “Fashionista”! She was also a fabulous baker. There were always home-baked treats when you stopped by to visit her. She had quite a collection of cookbooks! Smaczny! (Tasty in Polish)

Survived by friend, Linda Hanson; sisters, Marie (LeRoy) Dallager and Bernadette (Martin) Gross; nieces & nephews, Lisa (Mike) Johnson, Mary (Vin) Meyer, Michael Gross, Renae (Joe) Wical, Barb (John) Sullivan and Sue Hanson; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great-nephews; and many loyal friends. Preceded in death by parents, Andrew and Mary Kalinowski; and great-great nephew, Hudson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00AM on Tuesday (Feb 17) with visitation 1 hour prior at Assumption Catholic Church, 305 E 77th St. in Richfield. Interment Assumption Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Assumption Catholic Church, Bridging, VEAP or Parkinson’s Foundation.