Dorothy Margaret (Stretch) Harris, age 82, of Grand Rapids, MN, formally of South Elgin, IL, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

Dorothy was born January 27, 1942, in Chicago, IL to Robert and Margaret (Burns) Stretch. Dorothy attended St. Barbra's all girls Catholic School for the majority of her youth-developing her gorgeous handwriting, impeccable math skills and practicing her undying faith. One wonderful evening at a school dance, she caught the eye of a strapping young drummer from the neighboring Military Academy. He asked her to dance, and they ended up dancing together for 52 wonderful years. John was the love of Dorothy's life and what a blessing it was to watch.

She had many accomplishments in her life. She was a proud policeman's wife; she was brilliant with numbers; whenever she could help with accounting anywhere, she did. And was the mother to two beautiful daughters. Dorothy was a devout Catholic, her faith carried her through her everyday life. One could always find her praying the rosary or praying to the Blessed Mother. She shared her faith with everyone she encountered; she was a true Shepard of God.

After John retired in 1992, they moved to Talmoon, MN where she could focus on her most favorite job of them all, being a Nana to her four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Nana was at every sporting event, band, and choir concert, family trip and in recent years playing American Girl dolls, little people, and Barbies with her precious one (Klara). One of the greatest qualities Nana had was her ability to unconditionally love. It showed in the German chocolate cookies she always kept in the owl cookie jar, or the cheesecake she made for special occasions, that none of us could get enough of-to the hug she gave when you just needed one. She never cared if you made mistakes, or behaved badly-she just loved you anyway. That love is forever lasting in everyone she touched. Nana was proud of her family was so proud of her family. They were her greatest accomplishment.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Albert Marshall Harris; her beloved parents; and brother, Robert Stretch.

She is survived by her two beautiful daughters, Theresa (Andy) Sorensen, and Carol (Emmet) Stemwedel; four grandchildren, Jillian Johanneck, Drew Sorensen, Brandon Stemwedel and Amanda (Nathaniel Grossell); six great-grandchildren, Killian (13) Sorensen, Mckenna (11) Sorensen, Klara (9) Johanneck, Adelyn (8) Covey, Nova (3) Sorensen, and Aurora (4 months old) Grossell; two nieces, Sara (Mike) Camnetar; and family, Laura Strider and family.

The family is having a private Catholic Funeral and burial. While we appreciate your love and support, we ask that anyone wanting to pay their respects donate to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and/or Boys Town to support children.