Doris “Dorie” Baker Gilmer, age 99 of Delano, passed away on July 24, 2015. Dorie was born to Harry and Ella (Birum) Baker on September 6, 1915, in Hayfield, MN. She was married to Don Gilmer on June 19, 1939. Dorie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Russell, husband Don, and grandson Paul. She is survived by her sons: John, Steve, Phil, and Greg, their wives, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.

Dorie was a graduate of Hayfield High School where she played forward on the women’s basketball team. She attended Macalester College for two years, transferred to the U of M (where she met Don on a picnic), graduated from the U of M with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1937 and became a medical technician. The couple settled in Delano, MN, where Don ran the Delano Granite Works.

Dorie loved her family, loved adventure, and had a strong faith in God. She was a proud mother to 4 sons and enjoyed being actively involved in their lives and the lives of many others as a Cub Scout den mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Dorie appreciated the little things in life, like those ‘dandy’ sunsets and hugs from her family. She especially marveled when each child became tall enough to reach her heart. She taught numerous family members and their friends to waterski and to dance the Lindy Hop and Polka. Don was the love of her life. They were married 59 year when he died. She looked forward to joining him again in heaven.

Dorie was a very generous person and active in several organizations, including: Delano Public Schools; Delano Pink Ladies; General Federated Women’s Club of Delano; American Legion Auxiliary; Delano United Methodist Church and DUMC Women’s Group; Shrine Order of the Eastern Star; Boy Scouts of America; State Bank of Delano, Board of Directors, 1974-2004.

She had an enthusiasm for learning about different cultures and history of the world. She traveled extensively with Don, through YPO (Young Presidents Org) and CEO (Chief Executives Org), Partners of the Alliance, and People to People, attending seminars and classes to learn about international business, political issues and cultural relationships between the many countries they visited. She was equally as excited to return home to work in her garden, be with her family, do things in her community, and share via slideshows, brochures, and stories, what she had learned on her travels.

Dorie was a kind, and classy woman who always had something positive to say. She loved her family unconditionally. She saw what was special and unique about each individual, and made each person feel appreciated for it. That was her approach to life. Life is wonderful! Life is an adventure, no matter where you are! Praise be to God! …Ya sure you betcha!

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at the Delano United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Interment was in the Delano Public Cemetery.
Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Delano United Methodist Church, Children”s Cancer Research or Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota/Dakotas.