With hearts full of gratitude and love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Dorothy “Toots” Siukola who passed away peacefully at the age of 85.

Dorothy was born in Hibbing MN to William and Mae Essen on October 26,1940. She attended McGregor High School in Aitkin County and enjoyed singing and playing the guitar in her teenage years. After several years as her “crush” she married her husband of 35 years on December 13th, 1958. Dorothy went on to run her family’s bar and restaurant, in Jacobson MN for several years before moving to Cloquet MN in 1973. Dorothy preferred country living and in 1978 moved her family to Twig Mn where she enjoyed gardening, country music and cooking homemade meals for her family. Dorothy enjoyed watching gameshows and sports, the Price is Right was a favorite and, she was an avid Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves fan.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Gust Siukola; parents, William and Mae; 4 brothers, Albert, Elmer, Robert, and James; sister, Betty; and great-grandson, Mason.

Dorothy is survived by her children, William (Pam) Siukola, Elizabeth Smiley, Rebecca (Jesse) Fosness, Brenda (Jerry) Lundgren, Bridget (Leon) Adrian, and Robert Siukola; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and Cuervo, her beloved chihuahua and companion for the last 10 years.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hilltop Healthcare, St. Croix Hospice, Aspirus St Lukes and Essentia Health for all the wonderful care and attention they had given to our mother.

The family will hold a private gathering at a later date.