Dorothy Maanum

Dorothy Mae Keeler was born on March 26, 1932, to parents Herbert and Julia (Brown) Keeler at their family home, south of Chokio, Stevens Township, Stevens County, Minnesota.  Dorothy and her family attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, where she was baptized and confirmed.  Dorothy attended District 52 Country School and then Chokio High School, graduating with the Class of 1950.  Following high school, Dorothy continued her education in St. Paul for Nursing.  She returned to the area and worked in Morris for Dr. Merrill for a time.  On November 28, 1953, Dorothy was united in marriage to Ralph ‘Toby’ Maanum at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  They made their home for a short time in the area and welcomed their first daughter, LuAnn.   Toby was drafted into the military shortly after. Once he was done with his training, Toby, Dorothy, and LuAnn moved to Virginia, and then Germany where Toby was stationed.  In November of 1956, they returned to Chokio and purchased a farm and added to their family, welcoming four more children.  In 1964, they bought their acreage near Johnson, Minnesota, and after renovations were made, they moved to that farm in 1970.   While her children were young, Dorothy stayed home to raise them and helped on the farm.  She and Toby owned DeGraff Grain, Inc., and Dorothy managed that business.  They remained on the Johnson acreage until 2019, when the couple moved into Grace Village in Graceville. For the last three years, Dorothy was a resident of Grace Home, where she lived until her death.  

Dorothy was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville and a local bridge club.  Dorothy was known for her outstanding crafting skills – especially: quilts, hats, and table runners – just to name a few.  She and Toby would load up their Airstream and travel to craft fairs all over selling her creations.  She was the #1 fan of her children and grandchildren at any sporting events.   She enjoyed watching the local football teams as well as the Minnesota Vikings.  Her favorite sport was wrestling, if at all possible, she never missed a match; this interfered with Toby’s winter getaways, as Dorothy was not about to miss wrestling!  Dorothy was a talented cook and baker and would always prepare special meals for holidays, her caramel rolls being a highlight! In addition, Dorothy enjoyed gardening and golfing.  Most importantly, she cherished the time that she was able to spend with her family and friends, she was a true friend to many.

Dorothy died peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Grace Home in Graceville, she was 91 years old.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, R. Dennis ‘Toby’ Maanum of Graceville; sons: Mike Maanum of Johnson, Pat (Mona) Maanum of Johnson, and Tom (Karen) Maanum of Graceville; grandchildren: Leah (Mike) Timberlake Sullivan of St. Paul, Alexa (Joshua Shirley) Walters of Denver, CO, Kari Maanum of Detroit Lakes, Riley (Brandie) Maanum of Dumont, Austin (Savanna Sullivan) Maanum of Graceville, Sam (Hannah) Maanum of Johnson, Charlie (Courtany) Maanum of Beardsley, and Marlie Maanum of LaMoure, ND; great-grandchildren: Isaac, Noah, and Sarah Timberlake, Thomas Sullivan, Ridley, Loren, and Arlie Maanum, Everett Maanum, Emmitt and Cooper Maanum, Coralee Maanum, and Jameson Shirley; brother, Ray Keeler of Chokio; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Keeler of Two Harbors.   She is preceded in death by her daughters: Susan Maanum and Lu Ann Maanum; grandson, Brian Maanum; parents: Herbert and Julia Keeler; parents-in-law: Bennie and Cora ‘Garlie’ Boldenow; brothers: John ‘Wayne’ Keeler and Jim Keeler; and sister-in-law, Kathy Keeler.