Dorothy Suddendorf Bourquin, 85, died November 26, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by family. Dorothy was born on November 1, 1937, in Sherburne, Minnesota, to Maxwell and Elva (Trowbridge) Whitehead. One of her 11 children she attended school at Wellcome Mn, she graduated from the 1955 class. After her high school graduation, she moved to Rochester. That same year she started working for her Thorp Loan and Thrift. During her short career in the financial industry, she met and married Scott Suddendorf. The couple built a home in the Byron countryside. Dorothy became a stay-at-home mom caring for a family of five until 1980, when Scott died from complications of multiple sclerosis. After Scott’s death, Dorothy decides to return to her workforce. She attended Mayo’s Medical Secretary program and upon completion of the program, she began her second career in hematology research at Mayo’s Clinic, after which she worked at Mayo’s School of Medicine. started.
In 1989, Dorothy married Donald Birkin. It was a second chance for both of them, and they made a new start. After Dorothy retired from Mayo in her 1996, they traveled whenever Dorothy could pull Don off the farm. Dorothy enjoyed her travels, singing in the church choir, Red Hat activities, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by the children of Scott Suddendorf of Custer SD, Susan Smith (Sam) of Stewartville, Minnesota, and Stephanie Suddendorf of Rochester. Her grandchildren, Michael Fiefer of Preston, Laura Suddendorf (Aaron) of Minneapolis, Alyssa Suddendorf (Brian) of Rochester, Mallory O’Connor (Dave) of Stewartville, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her stepchildren Ken Birkin, Alan Birkin and Glenda Mueller.
She was deceased by her husband Scott Suddendorf and Donald Birkin, her parents and brothers Steve, James, Fred, Kenny, Bill, Marvin and Robert. Sister, Nancy, Patricia and Shirley. Granddaughter and great-granddaughter Melissa and Emily Phifer. her daughter-in-law Annette Suddendorff;
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 11:00 am at South Zumbro Lutheran Church in Kasson (68905 280th Ave, Kasson, MN). Lunch will be served in the church immediately after the service, and East He will be buried in St. He Olaf Cemetery. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 30, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral home, 5421 Royal Pl NW, Rochester, MN, one hour before his Thursday service.
A memorial will be proposed to the South Zumbro Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
Ranfranz Vine Funeral Home is honored to serve Dorothy’s family. To share your special memories and condolences, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
