Lucille M. Dolly

LUCILLE M. DOLLY LUCILLE MEREDITH DOLLY was born on February 24, 1930, to Harvey William and Lucille Maude (Halpin) Wakefield in Pipestone, Minnesota. She was raised on the dairy farm outside of Pipestone and attended school in town, graduating in 1948. She later attended technical college for secretarial studies. She was united in marriage to John Sundermeyer in Pipestone. This union was blessed with two sons, Leroy and Gary. Lucille began her working career at the Good Samaritan Society in Pipestone where she distributed medicines and assisted residents with music therapy. Years later, she continued her career in healthcare as a nurse’s aide at Sleepy Eye Rest Home. In 1981, Lucille married Bill Krause. He died later that year of cancer. She met Orville Dolly in 1985, at a dance, and the two were united in marriage the following year in New Ulm, Minnesota. Following Orville’s death, Lucille relocated to Orchard Hill Assisted Living in New Ulm, Minnesota, but continued to work until 2018, when she retired. She then moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota to live with her son, Gary. In August of 2020, she became a resident at the Good Shepherd Community of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. There, she died peacefully on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the age of 91 years, six months, and 16 days.

Throughout her life, Lucille carried a passion for music, especially playing organ. She began lessons in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Edgerton, Minnesota in the 50’s. She began her first position as a professional organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone during her residency there, and went on to serve Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Ulm and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Deer River, Minnesota. Aside from organ, she was also skilled with the guitar. She also had a soft spot for her cats and appreciated the time with her most recent furry friend, Joey. Though she preferred American food, her personality may best be described as “spicy.” She was often outspoken; sharing her “conservatively liberal” viewpoints or speaking her mind.

Lucille is lovingly rememebered by her sons, Gary (Marianne) Sundermeyer of St. Cloud, and LeRoy (JoAnn) Sundermeyer of Gold Canyon, Arizona; granddaughters, Miyah, Kendra, Anna, Caroline, and Mary Ann Sundermeyer; one niece, DeeAnn Wakefield Arp of Jasper, Minnesota; and one nephew, David Wakefield. She was preceded in death by her three husbands; her parents; one brother, Donald Wakefield; and one daughter-in-law, Geraldine Sundermeyer Wakefield.