Obituary of Dorothy DeAnn Mrkonich

Dorothy DeAnn (Evanson) Mrkonich, PhD, M.Ed, RN, 78, of Edina and White Bear Lake peacefully passed away on November 9, 2016 surrounded by family. A celebration of her life will be held on December 02 at 11am at Waverly Gardens 5919 Centerville Road (Door E) in North Oaks, MN. Dorothy was born on July 10, 1938 in Echo, MN to August and Tilda Evanson. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Robert and Jerome Evanson. Dorothy was married to Thomas G. Mrkonich on August 15th, 1959. She is survived by Tom and their 3 children: Jana (Tim) Balfany, Kristen (Richard) Hubbs, and Jon (Sharon) Mrkonich; 11 grandchildren, extended family and precious friends. Dorothy graduated from St. Olaf College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Sigma Theta Tau), a Masters in Education (1961) and a PhD in Educational Administration (1982) from the University of Minnesota (Phi Lambda Theta). Dorothy was Professor of Pediatric Nursing at St. Olaf College (1970-1978). She served as Chairman of the St. Olaf Nursing Department (1979-1986), Director of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Nursing Consortium until her retirement in 1991 and Professor Emerita of Pediatric Nursing at St. Olaf (1992). Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially times at Hay Lake. She also enjoyed traveling, knitting, entertaining, and winters in Arizona. A special thank you for all the care that Dorothy received thru Hospice and Waverly Caring Companions.