Delores Lorraine (Johnson) Lundgren

Delores Lorraine Lundgren, age 95, of Stillwater (formerly Bloomington), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

Dee was born in St. James, MN on January 23, 1927 to Lars and Dorothea (Olson) Johnson; who were Norwegian emigrants. Dee grew up on a farm with six siblings and while they did not have much, they lived a life full of adventure. Dee was a tomboy at heart and enjoyed playing with the animals on the farm especially the dogs. She frequently carried mice in her overalls and made houses for them in a coffee can. Dee reminisced about fishing for bullheads in the local ponds. Dee shared that she was not a fan of doing dishes; so she would grab a book and go to the outhouse until the dishes were done. She attended a one room school house and during the harsh winters they often took a horse drawn sleigh to school.

After Dee graduated from St. James High School, she was too young to go to nursing school, so she borrowed money from her sister Hazel to attend St. Olaf College for a year. She then transferred to Fairview Nursing School earning a Registered Nursing degree. Dee worked for many years as a charge nurse and enjoyed the single life living with her sisters in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. She appreciated the finer things in life, often shopping at Dayton's Oval Room and even splurging on a mink coat which we still have today. While single she traveled throughout the US and Canada.

In 1960 Dee married Roger Lundgren. They met in Nisswa, MN while vacationing with friends. Their group of lifelong friends were very important to them. They often spent time together golfing, walking, playing bridge (little poker after), and traveling. There were annual trips to Madden's Resort near Brainerd, MN and Arizona to escape the Minnesota winters.

Raising four children, Dee kept busy attending their band concerts and sporting events. The family would go on summer vacations with their friends to Brookside Lodge in northern Minnesota. She looked forward to family road trips in the Ford Country Squire station wagon traveling to the Dakotas, Wyoming, Texas, and Florida.

Dee's hobbies included golfing, bowling, walking, reading (avid), daily crossword puzzles, playing cards and going to the casino. When she was 83, she received her first speeding ticket while driving to the casino.

Dee was raised Lutheran. While her religious beliefs were very important, she never shied away from an off-color Ole and Lena joke. She had excellent comedic timing.

Dee is survived by her children, Julie (Tom) Thompson of Stillwater, MN, Carol (Sheldon) Matthys of San Anselmo, CA, Eric (Penny) Lundgren of Chanhassen, MN, daughter in law, Sue Lundgren of Eagan, MN; grandchildren, Taylor, Grace, Reid, Jack, Lars and Lauren; step-grandchildren, Matthew and Joshua, sister-in-law, Annette Johnson and many nieces and nephews who brought such joy to her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Roger; her son, Ross, her four sisters, Hazel, Norma, Marceil, Ethelmae, and brothers, Leonard and Neil.

A celebration of life will be planned for this summer with a burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery to be announced at a later date.

The Lundgren family thanks the staff of Oak Park Senior Living and Kindred Hospice. They created a wonderful environment for Dee.

Cheers to you Dee...You will be missed. Enjoy your next adventure in heaven with Roger, Ross, and many friends. We expect you will be toasting us with a Manhattan in hand.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kindred Foundation.

The Kindred Foundation
8000 West 78th Street, Suite 210
Edina, Minnesota 55439
www.kindredhospice.com