Dolores Hawkins, age 86 of Hammond died unexpectedly Friday, January 27, 2017 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul following a stroke. Dolores was born on January 6, 1931 in Big River Township; the daughter of Joseph and Bessie (Andrle) Buss. She was raised in Big River Township, attending St. Mary’s Parochial School and Prescott High School before graduating from River Falls High School. Dolores was united in marriage on August 28, 1954 at St. Mary’s in Big River, WI to Jim Hawkins. Their marriage and life was blessed with six children: Dan, Steve, Debbie, Greg, Kathy and Jeff. She worked at a local bank for a short time before focusing her time on her family.
Dolores was a loving wife and mom dedicated to her family. From preparing Sunday breakfast after mass, home cooking family meals, baking cookies, patching up worn jeans, and running the kids to their school events. It gave her the greatest pleasure to watch her grandchildren play and grow. Earlier in life, she enjoyed time with her family at her cabin on Sand Lake. She enjoyed a good game of cards with her friends and family. She took pride in her flowerbeds around the house and keeping up with her vegetable garden while canning her harvests. Her faith played an important role in her life; raising her family in a loving Christian environment and living by example.
Dolores will remain in the hearts of her children: Dan (Lori) Hawkins of Hammond, Steve Hawkins of Roberts, Debbie (Rollie) Nelson of Hammond, Greg (Susan) Hawkins of Hammond, Kathy (Bruce) Forrest of Downing, and Jeff (Ericka) Hawkins of Roberts; 13 grandchildren: Brent (Jess) Hawkins, Jackie (Evan) Larsen, Angela (Dan) Johnson, Marie (Adam) Herrmann, Johnathan (Emily) Nelson, Michael Nelson, Jill (Chad) Deraps, Hayley and Luke Hawkins, Jacob and Matthew Forrest, Max and Amelia Hawkins; and 9 great grandchildren; siblings Lorraine Gavin, Ron Buss, Betty Cowan; brothers/sisters-in-law Don Hawkins, Mary (Chuck) Parker, Catherine Land, and Lory (Marlys) Hawkins; as well as many special nieces and nephews. Dolores is preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; granddaughter Kelley Hawkins; siblings Melvin Buss, Mabel (Clair) Harris; brothers-in-law Bill Gavin and Bill Cowan.
Mass of Christian Burial for Dolores will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 1st at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond, with her godchild and nephew, Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. Burial will take place at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the Mass at church. Pallbearers assisting with the services will be her grandsons: Brent Hawkins, Johnathan Nelson, Michael Nelson, Luke Hawkins, Jacob Forrest, Matthew Forrest, and Max Hawkins. Memorials are preferred. Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.