Dorothy Jean (Hallin) Jalonen

Dorothy Jean (Hallin) Jalonen

August 15, 1938 – August 10, 2022

Dorothy Jean Jalonen, age 83 of Virginia and formerly of Mt. Iron died Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Edgewood Vista Senior Living Center in Virginia, MN due to complications of dementia.

She was born August 15, 1938, the daughter of Helge and Helen (Bystrom) Hallin. Dorothy lost her father at a young age and was lucky enough to have Jalmer Olson assume the role. She graduated from Virginia Roosevelt High School in 1956. She was united in marriage to Jerome “Butch” Jalonen on November 26, 1960.

Dorothy was a homemaker and waitress while her children were young. After they grew, she started her career in produce at Spies Super Value. After retirement, Dorothy could not sit still and started a new career as a lunch lady/manager at the Parkview Learning Center cafeteria. Dorothy loved this job and worked until she was no longer able. She was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church and the Knights of Kaleva. Dorothy loved crafting, cooking, baking, and spending time with her precious grand and great grandchildren. Dorothy was well known for her homemade hardtack.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Julie (Mike) Sherek of Andover, Kevin (Jean) Jalonen of Mt. Iron, and Cheryl (Paul) Hetland of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren: Jami, Tricia, Megan, Katie, Justin, Riley, and Logan, 14 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Marjorie Hallin and Joyce Lahti; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Jerome; brothers, Sonny and Billy: sisters-in-law, Verna, Hazel, Violet, and Arlene, brothers-in-law John, Kenny, and Bob; niece, Wendy, and nephews Timmy and Rick.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Virginia MN.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.  Pastor Amy Janssen will officiate.