Dorothy D. Orr, 86

Dorothy D. Orr, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Gertrude Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Dorothy was born on April 21, 1938, in Gary, Indiana, to Stanley and Helen (Murawski) Nawrocki.  The family moved to East Chain, MN, before settling in Granada, MN, where Dorothy graduated from High School.  She went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse from the program at St. Joseph Hospital in Saint Paul.  Dorothy married William M. Orr in Fairmont, MN, on August 8, 1959, and his teaching career brought them to New Prague, where Dorothy’s nursing career blossomed at Queen of Peace Hospital and continued at Park Nicollet OB-GYN Clinic.

 Service to others was part of Dorothy’s nature.  She thrived in 4-H as a child and was dedicated to seeing her own children’s involvement in all aspects of 4-H.  Service to community saw her involved with Mrs. JC’s.  When her children developed an interest in gymnastics, Dorothy petitioned the school board and was instrumental in instilling gymnastics at NPHS.  Her faith was a cornerstone of her life with a devotion to the rosary, a commitment to the RCIA program at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and teaching natural family planning.

 Amid raising seven children, Dorothy was an avid gardener and an artist at flower arranging, becoming the go-to person for attractive table arrangements.  She loved baking and became “the birthday cake queen” and supplied cookies for Dorothy Day and Troops Abroad.  In her later years, she belonged to a sewing group, making blankets and baby clothes to be sent to Haiti.  Her greatest love and devotion, however, was to her family and grandchildren, always the enthusiastic grandmother, cheering from the sidelines.  It was their activities that brought her joy and contentment.

 Dorothy is survived by her children, Shelly Orr (Siavosh Rahimi) of Eden Prairie, Renee Orr (David Girard) of New Prague, Julie (Gary) Peterson of Apple Valley, Tricia (Dan) Ambroz of Chaska, Thomas Orr of Eden Prairie, David Orr (Candace Wilson) of Norwood Young America; grandchildren, Mitra Rahimi (Jules Goonewardena), Parisa (Omar) Bukhowa, Amelia Peterson, Owen Peterson, Jacob Ambroz, Josie Ambroz, Justin Ambroz, Grant Orr, Amber Orr, Luke Orr; great-granddaughters, Nadia, Sofia, & Talia; brother, Joseph Nawrocki of Jordan; sister-in-law, Linda Nawrocki of Mankato.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill on April 10, 2013; son, William Orr in 1978; parents; brothers, Jerome, Jacob, & Robert.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Joseph Gifford officiating.  Visitation will take place Sunday from 4-7 p.m. and Monday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home.  A rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall. 

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