Delores '(Dee)' Wentworth

Wentworth, Dee A PERSON FOR ALL PEOPLE Delores Wentworth was born September 21, 1931 in North Dakota on a farm with no electricity or running water. She took charge from an early age, being active in 4H raising her calf. As the oldest sister of three siblings she would give the piggy back rides, lead acrobatics jumping on beds and when playing school, she would be the teacher. Her mother loved flowers and in season always had flowers on the dining room table. Graduating from Moorhead State Teachers College, she began her career in Perham, MN. She met another teacher there, but went on to teach in Flagstaff, AZ. On her return Dee and Duke married and raised a family. Dee Wentworth became a passionate gardener. She spent hours every day tending her flowers, plants and trees. Not just for the overall garden, her joy was each plant. She would be on her hands and knees tending to their smallest needs. She went way beyond what was needed, bringing in dirt, moving rocks, enriching the soil. For her it was not just about how they looked, but nurturing them and creating a wonderful environment to grow and thrive. Dee was passionate about tending to people too. To her, each person she met was unique and special. She had a genuine interest in that person's life; truly caring, willing and helpful, bringing something different to each relationship. Dee played a major role in the development of Courage Center, a rehabilitation facility in Golden Valley, and its supporting organization, Courage Auxiliary. She organized a week-long dedication of the Center when it opened in 1973, including a visit by Julie Nixon Eisenhower. She also designed the first Courage Golf Classic in 1982, providing the structure for many successful Classics which were major fundraisers for the Center. The first pro golfer was Arnold Palmer. Dee was a realtor for 30 years. But she wasn't helping people to buy or sell a house. She was helping new and old friends transition to their next stage in life. Getting a first home. Expanding, Relocating. Downsizing. She invested herself in making sure each transaction was smooth, comfortable and rewarding. She was helping to build the community in her home, Minneapolis. She was a patron of Minneapolis businesses, truly appreciating the people working at the places she frequented like Lund's, Jerry's and Starbucks. Everyone knows Dee. During her lifetime her gardens have flourished. At the age of 85, she died September 26, 2016. If you wish to honor Dee's life: plant a flower, share a story, help another. A visitation will be held Tuesday October 4th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy in Edina and a memorial service held October 5th at 12 noon at Mount Olivet Church, followed by a reception at Edina Country Club.