Dorothy Ann Dulas

Dorothy "Dottie" Dulas
December 26, 1934 - October 7, 2025
Dorothy "Dottie" Dulas, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, faithful friend and woman of deep faith, Dottie's life was marked by grace, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.
Born to Gerald and Loretta Sullivan on the day after Christmas in 1934, Dottie grew up on the family farm in St. Thomas, Minnesota, the fifth of seven children. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade, then graduated from Le Center High School. Her childhood was shaped by the values of hard work, simplicity and community. She held a deep pride in her Irish heritage, which brought her great joy throughout her life--especially when gathered with her large extended family. Family meant everything to Dottie, and she rarely missed a gathering, reunion, or celebration.
After high school, Dottie moved to Minneapolis where she worked as a secretary at Honeywell. It was at the apartment she shared with several friends from St. Thomas where she met the love of her life, Dave. They were married in 1957 and raised their four children in Bloomington, Minnesota. Dottie left the workforce to focus on her most cherished role-being a mother. She created a warm and welcoming home filled with love, faith, and laughter.
In 1977, Dave and Dottie became owners of an electrical contracting business, Bloomington Electric Company. During the early days, Dottie worked in the front office, offering both practical help and unwavering support. In later years she served as the company's "Chairman of the Board." After Dave retired and pursued his dream of sailing the open seas, Dottie became his loyal and trusted first mate. They sailed to many destinations on the waters of Lake Superior, the Caribbean and South America, cherishing the many friends they met along the way.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Dottie was a longtime member of St. Edward's Catholic Church, where she worshiped regularly and raised her children to trust in Jesus. Her faith was the quiet foundation of her life and a steady light to those around her. She also had a deep appreciation for community and service. She made lifelong friends through her golf league and volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and Loaves & Fishes.
Dottie had a gentle, fun-loving spirit that endeared her to everyone she met. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality and demonstrated it time and again-whether hosting a holiday meal, welcoming guests to the backyard pool, or offering a listening ear and warm cup of coffee or glass of wine, her home was always a place of comfort, connection, and care.
She loved children and had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether playing games, attending school events, babysitting, or simply sharing stories at the kitchen table, Dottie treasured every moment spent with them. Her presence brought comfort and joy, and she passed down her faith, values, and sense of humor to the next generation with quiet grace.
Dottie will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her siblings, nieces, nephews, and the many friends whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, faith, and hospitality will live on in all who knew her.
Dottie is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Dave; her parents; sister Gertrude and brother-in-law James Kriha, brother Robert and sister-in-law Iris, and brothers-in-law Richard Erkel and Jerome Retka. She is survived by sisters Patricia Erkel, Catherine Retka, Mary Margaret (William) Brodt, and Geraldine (Art) Collamore; sons Tim (Kim) and Dan (Cheryl); daughters Mary Beth (Walter) Arand and Susan (Peter) Brekke; grandchildren Matthew, Marissa, Elizabeth, Nick, Erik, Annika, Kathryn, Sara (Dave), and Marcy (Scott); and great-grandchildren Luke, Madsen, and Asher.
To the many family members and friends who brought joy to Dottie through their visits, cards, calls, and kind gestures, we are truly grateful. Every smile, conversation, and shared memory meant the world to her and lifted her spirit more than words can express. Your love and presence reminded her-and all of us-of how deeply she was cherished.
The family also wishes to extend deepest appreciation to the dedicated and compassionate staff of Grace Hospice, Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington and The Waters of Edina, and to the private caregivers who came into Dottie and Dave's home and offered support and companionship. Your presence made a lasting difference, and we will always remember your patience, professionalism, and heartfelt care with deep gratitude.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, October 14 at Washburn-McReavy Bloomington Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN.
An additional visitation will be held from 9-10 AM on Wednesday, October 15 at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 9401 Nesbitt Ave S, Bloomington, MN, followed by a funeral mass at 10 AM. The service will be officiated by Father Tim Rudolphi and live-streamed at: stedwardschurch.org/funerals
Memorials are preferred to St. Edward's Catholic Church, 9401 Nesbitt Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55437, or to the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota, 12701 Whitewater Dr., Suite 290, Minnetonka, MN 55343.