Dorothie (Dottie) Alm Dekko

Excelsior, Minn. formerly Minot

Of Excelsior, MN, passed away on December 15, 2024. We cannot tell you her age since Dottie NEVER shared her age and joked that “any woman who tells you her age will tell you anything!” Suffice it to say that she outlived nearly everybody born the same year. Dottie brought elegant style, entertainment, and entrepreneurship together in ways that had notable and positive impacts on Minnesota, as well as her birth state of North Dakota. She recognized trends and “seized the moment,” always bringing others along with her.

Professional soccer came to Minnesota in 1976 when Dottie co-founded the Minnesota Kicks soccer team with 10 executive investors. Star Tribune sports columnist Jim Klobuchar once wrote that Dottie was “born in the fast lane!” In 1986, she co-founded Minnesota’s franchise of Chico’s clothing stores with her family members, successfully running 12 stores for over 21 years and selling them to Chico’s FAS in 2007. Fashion Group International awarded her the prestigious Tribute to Excellence Award.

Dottie brought her business savvy to her philanthropic work. She launched the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala to raise funds for children’s health, and participated in many United Way campaigns. In 1983, WCCO awarded her The Good Neighbor Award for her “outstanding service with distinction.” She was awarded the Sioux Award in 1985 for “Distinguished Service and Outstanding Achievement” from the University of North Dakota, her alma mater. As an educated nutritionist, she authored 3 nationally published diet and cookbooks, and served on the Land O’Lakes Advisory Committee.

Dottie was adored by her first husband of 49 years, Tom Dekko, who preceded her in death in 2002.

Their 4 children survive her and are eternally grateful for her life: Danna Dekko Atherton (Rick), Lezlie Dekko Bork (Les), Gigi Dekko Goldman (Jim) and Jeff Dekko, along with 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Dottie enjoyed 18 wonderful, loving years with her second husband, Dr. Richard Frey, who also survives her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Berdie Alm, of Minot, ND, where she was born and raised, and her siblings, Darlene and Leroy. She is survived by her brother, Arnie Alm.

The funeral service was on Friday, December 20. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made online at pd.undalumni.org/give-dorothie-dekko, or they can be mailed to the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, 3501 University Ave., Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202, with an indication that the gift is for the Dorothie Alm Dekko Endowment.

David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 www.davidleefuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, Dec. 20, 2024.