Dorothy Mae Palanuk went Home on December 11, 2020, at the Garrison Memorial Hospital following a short battle with Covid-19 and pneumonia. God took her in His loving arms to her rest and reward.

Dorothy was born in Belfield, North Dakota on Dec 18, 1929.  Her goal in life was first and always to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She married Mike Palanuk in 1944 who preceded her in death in 1999.  They farmed in the Belfield area in their early marriage and then moved to Riverdale, ND to work in the construction of the Garrison Dam. Subsequently, they moved to the Garrison area where they made their forever home.  Dorothy absolutely loved the small-town life surrounded by her family and dear friends. She cherished the wide-open spaces and kindness of her church and community.

Dorothy was a member of the First Congregational Church and faithful Christian until her death and served in many leadership positions there.   It was her number one priority to bring her family to church services, Sunday school, confirmation classes and choir.   She loved her church circle sisters in the Starlight Circle who supported and worshipped with her throughout her life.  She served her church in many ways.  She was an early organizer of the Dickens Festival High Tea.  She was an accomplished seamstress and was especially proud of the embroidered tea towels she always contributed to the Christmas tea.

In addition to her role at home, she worked tirelessly with many local businesses in Garrison.  Her many jobs included cooking at the elementary school, volunteering at the Garrison Hospital and Nursing home, and over 25 years at Kyle's Catering.  She thrived on hard work and always loved and respected her coworkers.  She was known for her warm smile and engaging personality.  She had a remarkable ability to encourage everyone she met.

Dorothy was a most amazing cook and baker and never missed spending hours cooking traditional Ukrainian Christmas foods.  She taught all her children to make the perogies and her children continue Ukrainian traditions.  In addition to her embroidery hobby, she was a voracious reader and could finish a book in a day.

Dorothy is survived by her children Jerome Palanuk (Patricia) of Garden Ridge, TX; Geraldine Meek (Dean) of Minneapolis, MN; Thomas Palanuk (Mary) of Bismarck, ND; Michael Palanuk of Garrison, ND; and daughter-in-love, Linda Alexander of Garrison, ND.

Grandson David Palanuk (Ruby) live and work in Universal City, TX; Granddaughter, Faith (David Kennedy) live and work in Kirby, TX; with great granddaughters Ashlyn, Anne, and Caylee.  Grandson Chad Meek lives and works in Vietnam. Ryan Meek lives and works in Minneapolis, MN.  Granddaughter Josie Palanuk Keeler (Wayne) live and work in Bismarck, ND. Grandson Thomas Palanuk lives and works in Denver, CO.

The family is deeply grateful for the loving care received from every doctor, nurse, social worker and aide at the Garrison Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home.

Graveside service December 16 at 11 am at the Garrison City Cemetery.  A memorial service will follow in the summer of 2021.

Memorials/donations can be made to The Garrison Area Food Pantry.

"Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her.

Many women do noble things,

But you surpass them all."

(Proverbs 31:28-29)