Dorothy Forkrud

Dorothy Mae (Eichten) Forkrud, age 92, of Clara City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the Clara City Care Center in Clara City, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church in Bloomington, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday prior to the service. Burial will follow at Bloomington Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on August 17, 1933, the firstborn child of Melvin and Agnes (Hagert) Eichten. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Vesta, Minnesota, where she attended elementary school. In 1951, she graduated from Redwood Falls High School. She later moved to the Twin Cities, where she attended and graduated from Minneapolis Business College.

Following her education, Dorothy worked for Standard Oil Company and First Bank Systems. On April 5, 1967, she was united in marriage to Gerald Forkrud. Together they had one son, Chad. When Chad was born, Dorothy chose to leave the workforce to focus on being a parent—a role in which she truly excelled. Once Chad reached school age, she returned to the business world on a part‑time basis, working for Spearhead Industries.

Dorothy cherished summers at the family cabin on Little Birch Lake near Melrose, Minnesota. Like her father, she was an avid bowler for more than 50 years and also enjoyed dancing, playing softball, music, and the performing arts. She was a devoted sports fan, especially cheering on the Minnesota Twins.

Faith and family were central to Dorothy’s life. She was a longtime member of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered through her church as well as many civic organizations. Dorothy had a servant‑minded spirit, particularly toward the elderly and the less fortunate. Despite her many acts of kindness, she avoided recognition, as she never enjoyed being the center of attention.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Chad Forkrud (Carol); her grandson, Tyler Moffenbier (Bailey Schultze); her great‑grandchildren, Ella and Easton Moffenbier; her siblings, Delores Litke, Donald Eichten, and Thomas (JoAnn) Eichten; sisters-in-law, Barbara Eichten and Beverly Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Forkrud; her parents, Melvin and Agnes Eichten; her brother, Vincent Eichten; brother‑in‑law, Elmer Litke; sister‑in‑law, Leone Eichten; nephew, Michael Litke.