DOLORES HIRST (VOLDNESS), 93
Born June 3, 1928, to Norman and Clara (Ostmoe) Voldness on the family farmstead in Norden Township Pennington County; Dolores passed peacefully from complications due to congestive heart failure on June 27, 2021 at LifeCare Manor of Greenbush.
She was the oldest of four children with siblings Joyce (Bonawitz), Norman Jr., and Loren. As a young child, Dolores initially attended the small rural Dimmen School as well as Sunday school at Oak Ridge Lutheran. Shortly thereafter she went to the Rosebank School and completed confirmation at Rindahl Lutheran when her parents relocated from the family farm in 1937 to nearby Rosewood. Within that village was a grocery store with two gas pumps, a post office, and living quarters attached which became home.
With the advent of rural busing, Dolores attended high school at Lincoln High in Thief River Falls and graduated in 1946. Soon thereafter she met the love of her life, Robert “Hun” Hirst of Warren and they were wed on Christmas Day 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church of Thief River Falls (then located where the VFW now stands!)
For the next 20 years they farmed west of St. Hilaire (Bray Township) with a Jersey dairy operation and raised their five children: Robert Jr., Jon, Timothy, Rosalyn, and James. In 1969, they moved to Graceton, Minnesota after purchasing a combination grocery store, gas station, and post office with attached living quarters, remarkably similar to her childhood back in Rosewood! In 1977 they sold the business and retired to a small hobby farm nearby.
Tragically, “Hun” passed in 1978 from cancer and she became a devoted widow for the next 43 years. She returned to work for a dozen years as the office manager for the Lake of the Woods County Soil and Water Conservation District until 1991 upon which she retired and moved back to Thief River Falls and rejoined the Zion Lutheran Church with active participation until her passing.
In addition to her church activities, Dolores reveled in attending any sporting event—especially those that involved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a diehard Twins fan! She especially looked forward to the annual Minnesota Twins winter caravan that visited Thief River. Other interests she participated with included the Sons of Norway, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, and the Loyal Order of Moose.
Dolores is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Robert “Hun” and son Robert Jr. She is survived by sons Jon (Jane) of Newfolden, Timothy (Marlys) of Baudette, James (Lynn) of Minneapolis, daughter Rosalyn (Kris) Smith of Pocatello, Idaho, ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church of Thief River Falls with Rev. Mark Helgeland officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Private interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, Minnesota.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
