Doris V. (Lehn) Sundeen

Doris Virginia (Lehn) Sundeen, 96, of Elk River, Minnesota, passed into Eternal Peace on January 1, 2026.

Dorie, as she was known, was born to Martin and Evelyn (Aydt) Lehn on August 15, 1929. She was the second eldest in the family of seven children. She and her siblings flourished in their farm childhood. Between tending their garden, canning, sewing, bread making, washing laundry by hand and countless other chores, Dorie forged a life-long dedication to a strong work ethic.

Dorie married Kenneth Milton Sundeen on May 8, 1951. Together they began an amazing family. They raised nine children, owned and operated their farm for decades, celebrated grandchildren and grieved losses for 47 years, until Kenny’s passing.

Dorie worked second shift in the kitchens at Federal until her official retirement in the 1980s. Never one to be idle, she began working at a greenhouse. This was her favorite job. She also dedicated hours to volunteering at the CAER facility in Elk River every week. Between sewing clubs and solo time, she created many dresses and shirts for those in impoverished nations.

Dorie’s two greatest loves in her life were her family and her faith. She especially loved being a grandmother. She absolutely adored babies, loved rocking and soothing them with her special trick of rubbing their feet. As the grandkids got a little older, she transformed one of the farm’s silos into a “Country Store” for the kids to play in. Grandma’s house was a place full of laughter, great food and lots of games. She was a cunning master of Rummikub and dice.

Dorie was a faithful member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Elk River for most of her life. She prayed daily, for the world and for her loved ones. Her love for the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and Mother Mary was deep and unending.

Dorie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny; son, Chuck; parents Martin and Evelyn (Aydt) Lehn; brothers Ken Lehn and Bill Lehn; sister Donna Koehler; brothers/sisters-in-law Ed and Carol Sundeen, Bob and Lou Sundeen, Myrtis and George Magnuson, Marvin and Shirley Sundeen; brothers-in-law Leonard Schlegel, Jerry Palmer, Loren Koehler; sister-in-law Marie Lehn. 

Dorie is survived by eight children: Mary (Mike) Heins, Deb (Dan) Witt, Mark (Mona), Ron (Joni), Jan (Lenny) Roskoski, Brian (Karen), Jeff, Jodi (Jim) Roppe; daughter-in-law Laurie; 23 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sisters Lila Schlegel and Kay Palmer, brother Dick (Nancy) Lehn; sister-in-law Sherrey Lehn; brother/sister-in-law Bill and Greta Sundeen; and many nieces and nephews.

Dorie planted many seeds in her ninety-six years, both literally and figuratively. May we continue to nourish and tend them lovingly, as she did for us.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM at The Church of St. Andrew – 566 4th Street NW, Elk River.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment at St. Andrew’s Parish Cemetery.

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