Dorothy Ann Norland

Dorothy Ann Norland, age 82, of North Mankato, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025 surrounded by family.

Dorothy was born in 1943 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, to Ernest and Linda Hiebert. Dorothy reminisced often about her childhood and the special relationship she had with her mother. After graduating, she became a secretary and early in her career, she worked at Midwest Realty in Mankato. It was there she met her husband Jim to whom she was married for 55 years and together they proudly raised three children, Randy, Sherri, and Kara.

Dorothy was a spirited mother and was thrilled to become a grandmother to Cooper, Cade, Presley, Bella, Sloane, Cole and Reese. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and knew just how to amuse them. Belly laughs were plentiful with Grandma Dorothy.

Dorothy worked for many years at Mankato West High School. She put her heart and soul into the relationships she built with the students and staff. She knew that spending just a few extra minutes, sharing a smile or kind and encouraging words, could make a real difference in a student’s school experience. Over the years, so many former students of West have reached out to share their appreciation for her. After retiring, Dorothy continued making a difference by volunteering for several community organizations including Ecumen Pathstone and Mayo Clinic Health System. She especially enjoyed the Catholic Charities Reasons to Write program where she paired students with seniors as pen pals.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Ernest and Linda; and her brothers, Ernest and Eldon.

She is survived by her three children, their spouses, her seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Dorothy's memory and dedication to students, please donate to the Mankato Area Dollars for Scholars Program or a local organization supporting youth.

Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN, 56001 on Saturday, January 24th with visitation beginning at 10:30 am and the funeral service at 11:30 am with a reception following.