Dolly Corlyn Squires Waitikowich was born on December 2, 1924 in Winona, MN. She was baptized on April 9, 1938 at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church and confirmed in faith one day later. Dolly remained a faithful disciple of Christ until He welcomed her home eternally on March 16, 2012.

Dolly grew up in Winona, MN with 12 siblings. She attended school and began work at Mahlke's Bakery in Winona. Dolly met Peter Thomas Waitikowich, who also took up work at Mahlke's following discharge from the US Navy. Shortly therafter they married on September 4, 1948 and had one daughter, Julia Ann (Curt) Walter.

Dolly and her husband lived most of their married life in Rochester, MN where they owned and operated Cascade Grocery near Cooke Park. For ten years, Dolly ran the store and nurtured financial literacy in her young customers. Dolly was known for establishing and working with them on their "charge account" for penny candy. She later passed along this gift to her grandchildren and their friends as they all thoroughly enjoyed working at Grandma Dolly's Bakery. Dolly had a kind way that allowed children and adults to respect and befriend her. Where else could you put play dough in a real oven and learn how to count money back before Kindergarten?

Not only did Dolly operate Cascade Grocery, she played an active role in her daughter's schooling as a room mother and held PTA offices. Dolly remained a devote wife for over 63 years and an active disciple of Christ throughout her tenure as a business owner.

After selling the store in 1973, Dolly kept her active spirit alive and shared her gifts as a clerk at Ruffalo Drug and as a VFW Auxiliary member. She continued to joyfully serve Christ at Redeemer Lutheran Church on the prayer chain and as kitchen coordinator – no small feat – Sunday School teacher, quilter, RLCW member and LWML member/officer and Christ Care Faithful Follower.

In addition to her husband and daughter, Dolly is survived by her sister Alice (Burt) Colwell and Luella Giddings; three granddaughters Jessica Lynn Ihrke, Jadea Leigh (Siroos) Abolahrari and Jessica Elaine Walter; one great granddaughter Raeya Ann Abolahrari; and godchildren including Kirk Colwell. Dolly was blessed with many friends who she remembered with cards daily. She also regularly attended bible studies with many of them. Everyone loved Dolly's zest for life, faithful heart and loving spirit.

In her final days with us, you could find Dolly doing her devotionals; pushing her great granddaughter, Raeya in her stroller around the house; writing letters and doing puzzles; watering her green plants and sitting in the sun watching birds. Often you'd catch her husband holding her hand right beside her. She will be missed greatly until we unite with her in heaven.

A Funeral Service for Dolly will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, March 19, 2012 at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Rochester with Pastor James Heining Officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The family requests memorials made in her honor to Redeemer Lutheran Church quilters or LWML Mites for Missions.

Online Condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com