Dorothy Gunderson Jaret

Dorothy Marie Thomas Gunderson Jaret, 96, of Duluth, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Proctor.  She was born in Duluth on December 19, 1923 to the late Louis and Anna (Prybelski) Thomas.

She lived in Duluth most of her life, attending St. James Catholic School and Denfeld High School.  She married Wayne E. Gunderson on May 8, 1944 and they had 26 years together.  These years were spent raising a family of nine children and many happy times at their cabin on Silver Lake.  Wayne passed away in 1970.  Dorothy relocated to the Gulf Coast of Florida, returning to Duluth for annual family visits.  While living in Florida, she was active at St. John’s Parish in St. Petersburg and helped establish Meals on Wheels there, and for many Christmas seasons was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

After several years in Florida, Dorothy met Joseph Jaret, retired fire chief and widower from Long Island, NY.  They were wed on May 18, 1985, at St. John’s in St. Petersburg, FL by Monsignor Patrick Trainor.  Joe and Dorothy enjoyed traveling and had many friends and relatives to visit throughout the country.  She was widowed again in 2004, then spent her days enjoying her home in Florida and visits from family and friends.  In 2008, she returned to live in Duluth until the time of her death.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her sons Thomas Gunderson and Michael  Gunderson; and siblings Mae (Donald) Wicklund, Eleanor (Donald) Johnson, and Louann Rule.  She leaves behind her children Kathy (James) Doyle, Wayne David (Renee) Gunderson, Mary (Joe) Vujcevic, Judith (Bob) Thornton, John (Karen) Gunderson, Joan Wick and Joe (Leisa) Gunderson; her siblings Don (Florence) Thomas, Carol (Donald) Mlodzik and Joan (Donald) Ritchie; her daughters-in-law Mary Jo Gunderson and Carol Gunderson; 27 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and countless friends and relatives including the Jaret family.

VISITATION:  Wednesday, January 22, from 5-7PM, with rosary prayers at 6:30 PM at Dougherty Funeral Home.  Visitation continues Thursday, January 23rd. from 10-11AM, followed at 11AM by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Catholic Church, 721 N. 57th. Ave., W.  Inurnment at Oneota Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic School or St. James Restoration Fund.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St., Duluth, 218-727-3555.