Dorothy "Dottie" McKinley

Born in 1941 in rural Marathon County, Wisconsin. Passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2023 after a long struggle with multiple health issues.

Preceded in death by beloved husband Tom, both parents, and all of her siblings; survived by three daughters and one granddaughter as well as many nieces and nephews.

Graduate of Athens (WI) High School and St Mary's School of Nursing in Wausau. Worked as a registered nurse for decades, ending at Unity Hospital in Fridley.

Air Force Flight Nurse until 1970 and proud member of the Society of Retired Air Force Nurses thereafter, as well as the Anoka County chapter of Civil Air Patrol in later years.

Married Tom McKinley in 1969; together they established Meadowood Farm in Blaine in 1976. Dottie was active in her community throughout her life. She served for decades on the Blaine Park Board and Natural Resources Conservation Board. She was also a club leader in Anoka County 4-H and Campfire Girls, and active member of the Minnesota State Poultry Association and Minnesota Dairy Goat Association. She was a Lioness in the Blaine Lions Club, and a member of Blaine's Soil and Sunshine Garden Club as well as the Blaine and Anoka County Historical Societies. Dottie was also active in local politics and rarely missed a caucus or convention. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, tenacity, and killer apple pie.

Private service to be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Heart of Minnesota animal shelter in Hutchinson, Minnesota, from where Dottie adopted several dogs over the years.

https://www.heartofminnesota.org/donate-funds