Apple Valley, Minnesota
Blomquist, Doris Virginia (Engelking, Ratzlaff) Age 79, Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away at home on August 2, 2007 after a long, heroic battle with a prolonged illness. Born in St James, MN on January 31, 1928, Doris really knew how to live life: passionate and full of fun, she danced, she laughed, she played and she told stories with gusto. Doris had a knack for just about everything she did - nursing and mothering with a special caring hand, bowling in leagues at Airport and Southtown lanes, playing cribbage, pulling pranks, doing magic tricks, going to the casino, keeping book at her children's ball games, cooking (especially her english toffee & potato salad) and dancing with the Rhinestone Rockettes. She will always be known as having the most beautiful blue eyes. She was very proud of her accomplishments as a LPN. Doris is survived by her loving husband, Arthur; her sisters, Jeanette Barker, Mary Ann (Rod) Hanson, Gloria Jean (Galen) Engholm and her brother, Delmar "Happy" (Maria) Engelking. She raised 8 children who also survive her - Harvey (Karen) Ratzlaff, Maggie Teal, Jeff (Mia) Ratzlaff, Jan Jensen, and Judy, Chuck, Kris (Debbie) & Denise Ratzlaff. Doris also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who lit up her life and whose lives she filled with play, magic tricks and love - attending their school functions, performing magic tricks, and videotaping her pride and joy. She also leaves behind many friends from her bowling leagues and the Rhinestone Rockettes and the Richfield Senior Dance group. Doris loved tap dancing and always had a new dance move, special pose or costume, each with its own unique hat. She loved to perform whether it was on stage, at home or to prove she was well enough to go home. She loved to ham it up and show-off. We will miss her great sense of humor, her irrepressible outlook on life, and her avid storytelling. Doris was the life of our party. We love you, Mom! Memorial Service 11 am Monday, August 13, 2007 at White Funeral Home (14560 Pennock Ave) Apple Valley with a memorial visitation from 10-11 am prior to the service. White Funeral Home Apple Valley 952-432-2001
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Denise:
I am very sorry to hear about your mom. It sounds like you and your family have some amazing memories from a mother who really lived life to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take care.
Tim Balke
August 14, 2007 | Crystal, MN
Harvey, Maggie, Jeff, Janis, Judy, Chuck, Kris & Denise
Mary and I and the Edmonson clan in St Louis were deeply saddened to hear that your Mom had passed away last week. As you may know, your Dad and Mom were Poppy's Godparents and they were our closest aunt and uncle. We will miss her indomitable spirit.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time of grief.
Love,
Doug and Mary, Poppy and Sean (Patrick, Nathan, Andrew), Emily and Rich (baby girl...
Doug and Mary Edmonson
August 10, 2007 | St Louis, MO
Dear Art and Doris's family, We are so sorry to hear of Doris's passing, but know that she is surely in God's loving arms! What a great lady! We bowled with Doris and Art for many years at Airport Bowl. In spite of her illness,she kept plugging along with a smile and a zest for life. Our whole League felt the loss when she had to quit. Her wonderful obituary shows all what a great life she lived and all the lives she touched. Your memories will surely sustain you in your grief. ...
Janice Kiehl
August 09, 2007 | Eagan, MN
Judy & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your Mother was quite a fun and talented character. I know there are no words that can take away the pain of such a loss but being able to share your wonderful memories with others does help to soften that pain. All of you are in my prayers.
Gary Peterson
August 08, 2007 | St Paul, MN
My fun loving and sweet Aunt Doris will surely be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with all my cousins and their families.
Heidi Brummond
August 08, 2007 | Oregon, WI
To the family of Doris Blomquist:
Please accept our sympathy for your loss. It was an honor to be with Doris during her final days. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
The Fairview Hospice Team
Fairview Hospice
August 08, 2007 | Minneapolis, MN
I am sorry to hear about your mom,and grandma.....I'm glad she was able to go home!! hopefully your loving memories will give you some comfort in the days ahead. you all are in my prayers.....
katie schuman
August 07, 2007 | Bloomington, MN
Denise:
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. But after reading the obituary, it sounds like you and your family have some amazing memories and that your mom was quite a star to many. Remember you've got lots of friends whose thoughts and prayers are with you, Rachel and the rest of your family.
Take care and we'll see you soon...
love
tina
Tina Puente
August 07, 2007 | Edina, MN
Denise, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. I did not know her, but from her obit it is pretty obvious where you have gotten your wonderful qualities. She definitely lives on in YOU!! I am keeping your whole family in my thoughts and prayers...
Sarah Rodeberg
August 07, 2007 | Minneapolis
