Dorothy Amelia (Bengson) Kohl, age 82, of Sandstone, MN (formerly of Pine City, MN) peacefully passed away at her residence, Golden Horizons Assisted Living, on January 24, 2026.

Dorothy was born in Bemidji, MN to parents Merrill & Anna (Hyland) Bengson on June 15,1943. Dorothy grew up in the northland, graduating from Cloquet High School in 1961. In spring of 1962, she met Dayton Kohl. They were united in marriage in August of 1963, and soon welcomed their son, Marc, to the family in 1964. As time went on, Dorothy and Dayton parted ways. Dorothy continued expanding her education, earning her Nursing Degree in 1965. She worked in the medical profession as a staff nurse, charge nurse, chemotherapy nurse, critical care coordinator, infection control practitioner, and emergency department manager. She took her medical talents to many locations, including hospitals in Duluth, MN, St. Paul, MN, Atlanta, GA., Miami FL, and finally landing in Mora, MN in 1974, working there until her retirement from Kanabec Hospital/Firstlight (currently Welia Health Systems) in June of 2008.

Dorothy wore many hats throughout her life. She was a working mom, selling Avon while raising her son. She was a very involved grandma to Tony, Chad and Ella, rarely missing an event they were involved in. She was a baker, always making sure the cookie jar never ran dry of Grandma's chocolate chip cookies. She was an avid gummy bear lover, with many "secret stashes" stored around the house, and the freezer!! She was the best cat momma a furry little friend could ever ask for. She was a seamstress, making most of her scrubs, and later in life, creating "custom-ordered" Halloween costumes for Ella. She was a quiltmaker making sure all her loved ones were tucked in with a cozy Dorothy Quilt to keep them warm. She was a knitter with a healthy stock of well-organized yarn, and after retirement, she learned custom embroidery creating personalized items for her family and friends.

Dorothy was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Kroschel, MN. She enjoyed fellowship among friends, conversations with the Kroschel Quilters, but her Sunday highlight was Sunday Dinner with the family. However, the role that best defined her, was being a nurse. Most memories shared of Dorothy are related to her expertise in the medical profession. She remained close to work family with many retirement lunch dates in Mora. From fixing a simple boo-boo to managing an emergency department with ease, she did it all with pride and determination.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Merrill and Anna, her twin sister DeAnna Howard, brother-in-law Lee Howard, and sister, Kathy Hambly. She is survived by her son, Marc (Elsa) Kohl, sister Bev Seafolk, brother-in-law, Dick Hambly, grandchildren Tony (Molly), Chad (Anna) and Ella Kohl, friend, Dayton Kohl as well as several nephews, nieces, her chosen "Sunday Dinner" family and special work friends.

Memorial services for Dorothy will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Kroschel on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Pastor John Thomson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.