Dorothy Chuchna

Dorothy Barbara Chuchna, age 93, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2020, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.

She was born on December 4, 1926, at home on the family farm in Cedar Valley, Winona County, to Nick and Clara (Lorbiecki) Glowacki, and the family moved to Winona in 1945.

Following graduation from Cathedral High School (now Cotter High School), she began her secretarial career at the J.R. Watkins Company, then Bay State Milling Company, and finally at Winona State University in both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, retiring from Winona State in 1992.

Dorothy was united in marriage with William J. “Bill” Chuchna on August 2, 1952, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona, and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage.  During their life together, Dorothy and Bill loved Winona, but also enjoyed traveling whenever possible, especially to Bill’s many Army reunions throughout the country.  After retirement, they moved to Scottsdale, AZ, living there for 12 years, then returning to Winona in 2004 to begin a second retirement.

A devout Catholic all her life, she was a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and its Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.  She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Winona Court #191, serving as its financial secretary.  Dorothy was also a member of Harvest House, the Polish Cultural Institute, and several pro-life organizations.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Bill; nieces: Mary Beth Swart, Boise, ID; Paula (Mickey) Daley, Bridgeview, IL; Julianne (Chuck) Peterson, Viroqua, WI; Nancy (John) McGowan, St. Louis, MO; as well as many cousins, other dear relatives and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Clara Glowacki; sisters: Mansuetta “Monnie” Jereczek and Margaret Neyers; and brothers-in-law: Arnold Neyers and Joseph Jereczek.

Due to current health concerns and restrictions, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for Dorothy’s family.   A video stream of the Mass may be viewed on Dorothy’s tribute page at www.watkowski-mulyck.com when available.  She will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Mickey Daley, Mike Kramer, John McGowan, Chuck Peterson, Wayne Shustrom, Andy Swart, Joe Swart, and Nick Swart.

Memorials would be appreciated to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart or to St. Anne Extended Healthcare.

Cards may be sent to the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home 376 East Sarnia Street, Winona, MN  55987.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.