Cathy Marie Dobbelmann

Dobbelmann, Cathy Marie Age 68, after a long and courageous battle against Scleroderma, passed away on February 8, 2020, with her soulmate Mark Anthony Dobbelmann by her side. Cathy was born to parents Herman and Judith (Blade) Gross on June 18, 1951, where her father was stationed during his Marine service in Orange, California. Cathy and Mark were high school sweethearts, they both graduated in 1969 from Edina HS. They married in 1970 at St. Martins by the Lake. In 1972 Cathy and Mark moved to Eagan to be near the future MN Zoo. When the Zoo opened Cathy volunteered and eventually was employed at the Zoo in the children's lab, farm, and also ran the monorail. She loved educating the children on the many zoo animals. She especially enjoyed the kids' reactions when she would show them how a huge 10-ft long Boa Constrictor named Cuddles would wrap itself completely around her. In her 20's she graduated from the UofM with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. She was fascinated with her research that contributed to pest-resistant corn. She then joined the MN PCA for a few years until she went into retail as the Manager at the new Nature Company in the MOA, and then Barnes & Noble. In their 40's and early 50's they enjoyed many fun-filled evenings with dear friends at W. A. Frost in St. Paul. Also in these years, they fell in love with Minnesota's north shore, they became members of the Superior Hiking Trail. There are many treasured memories of their hiking adventures and many wonderful friends made in Lutsen, Grand Marais, and Hovland. Naniboujou Lodge became their home away from home with many dear friends she missed as her chronic illness limited travels in her later years. Cathy was a fantastic cook and shared her love of delicious food with her family and friends. She loved the soap operas The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. Cathy had an amazing appreciation of eclectic storytelling through books and film. She was immensely proud of her daughters with Jessica's outstanding theatrical performances, and Laura completing her Ph.D. Cathy, amid her 20-year illness, bravely decided that they must adopt their granddaughter Ruth at 9-years of age, after the tragic loss of their daughter Jessica. Ruth holds so much love for her Grandma. Recently, Ruth shared with her Grandma Cathy the many positive influences she has had on her strengths, perseverance, and gratitude for changing her life so positively through her adoption. Cathy loved watching Ruth perform Irish dance (Shamrock studio), and was thrilled when Ruth achieved her goal to play flute in the Wind Ensemble, while at the same time participating in Eagan Drumline and maintaining excellent grades. Cathy is preceded in death by her daughter, Jessica; brother, Carl; parents, Herman and Judy; aunt, Carol (Longley) Gross; brothers-in-law, Kevin and Mike; in-laws, Madeleine (Cross) and Joseph Dobbelmann; Grandparents, Carl and Alice (Levin) Gross, and Carl and Gertrude (Berrisford) Blade. Cathy is survived by her husband, Mark; granddaughter, Ruth; daughter, Laura Bestler (Samuel Duncan); sister, Pamela Downing (Irvine); niece, Sarah (Burd); nephew, Irvine; uncle, Frank Gross (Betty) of Woodstock, GA; cousins, Beth and Tony; aunt, Gretchen (Wheelwright); cousin, Alice; sister-in-law, Diane "Dee Dee" Becker and her husband, Collin; nieces, Chelsea, Lindsay, and Makenzie; along with longtime friends, Barbara and Barry, Janet and Keith, and Rochelle; plus, several family and friends across the country. To honor Cathy's wishes the family will be holding a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family insists that people make memorial gifts to NC Little Hospice of Edina or The Minnesota Zoo Foundation. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Cathy Marie Dobbelmann

June 18, 1951 - February 8, 2020

Tributes

Cathy Marie Dobbelmann

June 18, 1951 - February 8, 2020

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