Jean Doda

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Ann Doda, 84, of Crookston, Minnesota. Jean passed away at her home on October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born on January 30, 1941 in Crookston to Julian Sweningson and Yvonne Emard Sweningson. Jean attended St. Joseph Academy until 9th grade and graduated from Central High School in the class of 1959. While working at A&W in high school, Jean met Donald Michael Doda and the two started dating. Jean joined Donald in marriage on October 26, 1959 in Sisseton, South Dakota. Donald and Jean would have celebrated 66 years of marriage this year!

Jean worked for 20 years at D & B Furniture and Freight but her true job was working with Donald on their family farm. Jean loved being a farmer’s wife. Jean was an active member of the Catholic Daughters, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St Annes Church, and the Crookston Garden Club. Jean also served as the secretary for the Parnell Township. Jean loved gardening and was recognized for her beautiful flower gardens.

Jean was very talented and had many hobbies. She made beautiful quilts, grew beautiful flowers in her garden, and loved to read mystery books. Her enjoyment and talent for interior design is evident by all of her favorite things that beautifully surround her house. Jean made the holidays special for all of her family, but every time the family was together Jean made it feel like a holiday. Jean loved her family and her grandchildren were especially important to her.

Jean is preceded in death by parents, Julian and Yvonne Sweningson; son, David Doda; brother, Keith Sweningson; parents-in-law, Michael and Freda Doda; and brother-in-law, Jerry Doda.

Jean is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donald Doda; sons, Mitchell (Deanne) Doda of Crookston, MN; Mark (Nancy) Doda of Fargo, ND; Daniel (Diane) Doda of Duluth, MN; Jason (BreezeLynn Lund) Doda of Crookston, MN; grandchildren, Kelly Doda, Sara Swenson (Leif), Lauren Doda (Bradley Bartkowiak), Benjamin (Elizabeth Runde) Doda, Molly Doda, Rose Doda, Joseph Doda, Jack Doda, Jacob Doda; great grandchildren, Vincent Bradley Bartkowiak and Vivian Jean Bartkowiak; brother, Bruce Sweningson (Cindy) of Ventura, CA.

Jean’s family will celebrate her life with a funeral mass on Friday October 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with interment immediately following in Calvary Cemetery in Crookston. Her family will receive friends on Thursday October 23 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 pm.

Jean’s sons, Mitchell, Mark, Daniel, and Jason will serve as pallbearers with all Jean’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic Daughters, or Care and Share of Crookston.