Virginia M. Dolence

Virginia M. Dolence, age 82, of Hibbing passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Ginny was born on July 25, 1941, in Virginia, MN. She was a 1959 graduate of Cherry High School and later attended junior college in Virginia. In 1963, Ginny married Jon Dolence in Minneapolis, and in 1967, Ginny and Jon returned to Hibbing, where they raised their children.  

Ginny was an exceptional cook and was best known for her sarmas, potica, strudel, and other regional favorites. She taught cooking classes at Hibbing High School and baked and gifted hundreds of poticas to family and friends each Christmas. Ginny had a talent for creating a beautiful, welcoming home. Her kindness and hospitality extended to animals as well. She loved her pets, especially her dogs and cats, and she enjoyed feeding the birds and watching the deer, turkeys, bears, and other wildlife from her home in the woods.

Ginny is survived by her husband, Jon Dolence, Fargo, ND; children, Tanya (Todd) Kimmis, Davie, FL, Travis (Joan) Dolence, Fargo, ND; siblings, Charles Dunn, Dean Dunn, Doris (John) Winterbottom, Betty (Robert) Bernard, Charlene Dunn; adopted sisters, Lois “Lola” Jacobson and Janet Petrich; and grandchildren, Maggie, Esme, and Frank Dolence. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Pauline Dunn, and brother, Gene Dunn. Private services will be held at a later date.