Dorothy G. Kilwein, 93, of Rancho Santa Fe, California (formerly of Dickinson) passed away peacefully on Christmas December 25th, 2021. At her request cremation has taken place and services are pending at this time.
Dorothy was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 2nd, 1928 to Henry and Katharine (Grundhauser) Hollinger. She was one of seven children along with her 3 brothers: Richard Hollinger, Andrew Hollinger, Edward Hollinger and 3 sisters: Betty (Hollinger) Kuntz, Mary (Hollinger) Ebenhoeh, Marcy (Hollinger) Sickler, all of whom predeceased her. Dorothy grew up in Dickinson, North Dakota and graduated from Dickinson High School.
She married Frank A. Kilwein (deceased June 1989) on March 1st, 1949. Together they raised their four children Ron, Jean (deceased October 2021, and married to Art Kuntz), Dianne, and Patrick. Dorothy and Frank engaged in several business ventures working hard to provide their family a comfortable life. They sold their road construction company in 1969 retiring to Tempe, Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. They lived in Arizona and North Dakota spending summers in Dickinson primarily involved in real estate and construction. In 2005 Dorothy began spending her summers in Payson, Arizona and in 2010 also began living in the San Diego area.
Dorothy felt fortunate to be able to travel between her homes, and to see her children, family, and friends, as well as traveling to new places. She valued time with family and friends catching up with each other, playing cards, and reminiscing. She enjoyed staying up late reading, watching movies and NBA games, cheering on her favorite Suns and Warriors teams. She also liked sleeping in and eating leisurely breakfasts. Dorothy especially enjoyed being outside gardening tending to her trees, vegetables, and flowers, and spending time at her summer mountain home in the Tonto Forest. She led a full adventurous good life and was content and appreciative.
She was a beautiful lady, strong and independent, while being very sweet, thoughtful, kind, generous, and caring. Dorothy had a sharp mind, a good sense of humor and was enjoyable to be with. She was a great friend and an amazing, loving mother providing support and encouragement to her children. Mom, we admired your strength, your spirit, your courage, and your determination. You and your love were very special to us. You will be forever loved and dearly missed.
