Dolores Marie Willenbring of South St. Paul passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dolores was born in St. Paul on February 19, 1938, to Fred and Philomena Sweet. She attended Monroe High School, class of 1956.
Dolores married her soulmate, Herbert “Herb” Willenbring on April 23rd, 1960, at St Stanislaus Catholic church in St. Paul. They were blessed with 5 beautiful children.
For over 35 years she was a daycare provider. She was patient and loving and her house was a home to all the families she welcomed and cared for. They were all a part of her family.
She had a very strong faith and was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic church where she enjoyed singing in the choir for 48 years, involved in women groups, and loved to put her baking talents to work in the annual bake sale. She was also a member of the Razzle Dazzle Red Hatters. She was an avid football fan (pro & college) and had many “favorite” players and teams. She enjoyed playing cards (500) with friends. She also enjoyed taking road trips, cruises, and vacations.
She is survived by her husband, Herbert Willenbring; her children, Tom (Susie), Kevin (Nancy), Kim (Dan Loeffelholz) and John (Jill Hewitt); her grandchildren, Matt (Lynsey), Brianna, Nicolas, Amie and Luke; son-in-law, William (Jan) Lesher; sisters, Darlene and Dorothy.
Dolores was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Ann Lesher; grandchildren, Sandy & Joshua and daughter-in-law, Pam Willenbring.
Dolores will be remembered and greatly missed by her family, neighbors, and lifelong friends. The family would like to thank Hospice of Midwest for their wonderful care.
Visitation Service will be held on Wednesday, March 13 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.
Mass of Christian burial on Thursday, March 14th at 11:00am, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 749 6th Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075 -visitation one hour prior to service.
Following the burial service at Resurrection Cemetery, lunch will be provided at Drkula’s 32 Bowl, 6710 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076.
Memorials preferred to Holy Trinity Catholic School, 745 6th Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075.