Dorothy M Madsen

Dorothy M. Madsen (Holmquist Devitt Murphy), age 73, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester on December 22, 2016. She was born in Red Wing on June 29, 1943 to Everett and Elizabeth Holmquist. Dorothy was a hairstylist by trade. She owned and managed salons in Duluth and the Twin Cities. Dorothy also worked at Black Bear Casino in housekeeping. She was district representative for Welcome Wagon, a strong supporter of Arbor Day, the Wildlife Federation and many Veterans programs. Dorothy loved knitting, watching sports and birds, dirt track racing, gardening and playing games with her family and friends. She had a gentle spirit and was passionate in her beliefs. She was feisty in her opinions and yet when you were in need she was the first there to support you. She was preceded in death by her parents; former husband & father of her children Jerry Murphy; siblings, Donald, Frank, Eugene, and Connie; nephews, Donald Gene and Thomas Edward. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Katherine Murphy; son, Matthew Murphy; grandchildren, Philip and Emily Murphy; her “adopted” grandchildren, Alicia and Justin Pederson, Shylo Day, Laura & Kali Disalvo, adopted great grandson, Jeffery; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, 4 great great nephews, and many loving, wonderful friends. A Celebration of Life to honor her for all the love she had for so many of us will take place in the spring in Red Wing MN. Thank You to Wise Funeral home for supporting us in her final wishes.