Loree E.(Fitzgibbons) Dunkley

Loree's Story

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Loree Edna (Fitzgibbons) Dunkley, age 92. She passed away on June 24, 2024, after bravely facing the challenges of blindness and dementia with unwavering strength and resilience. Though her journey was brutal, she found solace and comfort in the love and support of her family and friends. She was a longtime resident of Aspen Crest Townhomes in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and recently moved to Wellstead of Rogers for additional care.

Loree, the second of five children, was born on November 11, 1931, in Superior, Wisconsin, to LeRoy and Elsie (Brogan) Fitzgibbons. She had an older sister named Virginia, younger twin brothers named Bill and Bob, and a younger sister, Rosie. Loree fondly recalls her childhood and her time in Catholic school. She cherished her childhood friends and had many memories, such as winter ice skating, walking a mile each way to school and back home for lunch daily, and summertime adventures picking wild berries.

Loree met Howard George Dunkley, and they married on April 24, 1954, and were blessed with four children. They began their entrepreneurial journey by establishing Dunkley Surfacing, which paved parking lots and roads in the suburbs of Minneapolis for many years. However, seeking new adventures, they sold the business and relocated to northern Minnesota, where they embarked on the creation of Gull Lake Campground and Mobile Home Park near Tenstrike. Together, they built everything from the ground up, including roads, water systems, and electrical infrastructure. Loree assumed the role of managing the office and running the store, while Howard dedicated himself to maintaining the grounds. After several years, they purchased the Turtle Club supper club to keep busy during the winter months and managed it for several years.

Their shared love for the outdoors led to many cherished memories. Loree and Howard found joy in fishing, boating, and snowmobiling with family and friends.

Loree possessed an exceptional caregiving nature that extended to her husband and the entire extended family. One of her greatest pleasures was cooking, particularly when it came to preparing an array of fish and wild game that found their way into her kitchen. The tales of hunting and fishing exchanged around her table were truly legendary, just like her signature dish, Wild Rice and Duck hotdish, which everyone eagerly requested whenever they visited.

After Howard passed away in 1985, Loree moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to her children. Before retiring, she found fulfillment at the City of Brooklyn Park, assisting individuals with licenses and tabs. Notably, Loree had the opportunity to assist Jesse 'the Body' Ventura before he assumed the role of Governor, as well as Minnesota Twins superstar Kirby Puckett, highlighting her dedication and willingness to help others.

As a devoted Catholic, Loree found joy attending mass at St. Gerard's in Brooklyn Park. She embarked on numerous trips to Rome with her church, attending mass with the Pope on multiple occasions. Loree's adventurous spirit led her to explore various corners of the globe, including the stunning landscapes of Alaska, the tropical allure of Fiji, her ancestral homeland Ireland, and the captivating beauty of Portugal. These travel experiences enriched her life with unforgettable journeys, cruises, and adventures.

A memorial service is planned on July 28, 2024.

She is survived by her sisters, Virginia Strang and Rose Raddant.

Her two sons and two daughters: Steven (Lisa) Dunkley, Michael (Cindy) Dunkley, Kathy (Gordy) Roberg, and Janice (Roderick) Peterson.

Loree's legacy extends to her eight grandchildren: Jason Dunkley, Rachel (Andrew Kueng) Dunkley, TJ (Lindsay) Dunkley, Katie (Trevor) Thompson, Heather (Reid) Eakman, Heidi (Cliff) Erickson, Jade Peterson, and Justin Peterson.

She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Caleb, McKenzie, and Jack Thompson; Brooklyn, Blake, and Berkley Erickson; and Owen Eakman.

Loree is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Dunkley, who passed away in 1985. She is also reunited with her parents, LeRoy and Elsie Fitzgibbons, and her brothers, William and Robert Fitzgibbons, who have gone before her. Additionally, Loree mourned the loss of her friend and travel partner, Ellie Swenson, whose companionship enriched her life.

The memory of Loree will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her caring nature, unwavering love, and enduring spirit. Her advice for all is, “Don't get old,” but if you do, enjoy every second of the time you have with the people you love.

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Duck and Wild Rice Hotdish (similar to my Moms recipe)

• 6-8 Duck/Pheasant Breasts and legs

• Salt and pepper

• 3 sticks of celery cut

• 1 onion half chopped

• Red cooking wine and Chicken stock

Simmer on very low in red cooking wine/chicken stock for 1- 3 hours until fall off the bone tender. Cool then debone duck and break into small 1 inch pieces.

Wild Rice

• 2 cups uncooked wild rice

Cook wild rice according to package

Sauce

• Half cup of butter

• ¼ cup of flour

• 4 oz. sliced mushrooms canned or fresh

• 2 cups of half and half cream

• 1 large yellow onion diced in small pieces

Melt butter, sauté onions, until translucent then add mushrooms. Add more butter if dry. Stir in flour.

Add a few tablespoons of the duck broth to rice/ mushroom/ onion mixture.

Stir in wild rice and Duck.

Add remaining ingredients.

Add 1 ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper and put into a casserole dish. Wrap in foil.

Bake on 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook for 10 minutes more.

life story

Gull Lake, Tenstrike, Minnesota

As you were you will always be, treasured forever in our memory.

memorial service

Celebration of Loree’s Life

July 28, 2024

16160 45th St NE St. Michael Minnesota

A short ceremony will be at 2:30- 3:00 p.m. A casual open house type event will follow.