Doris Jean Birkemeyer

Doris Jean Birkemeyer, 92, of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Cokato Manor where she was well taken care of the past few months. She was welcomed to her heavenly home by her husband, Richard, and sons; Kurt, Kim, and Kyle.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 2:00-3:00pm, at Johnson Hagglund Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 11, 2025 at 3:00pm at Johnson Hagglund Funeral Home followed by a light lunch. A 5:00pm sunset Interment will be held at Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield, Minnesota.

Doris Jean Brakemaker was born at home in Forest Prairie Township to Frank and Esther Hillmeyer on November 6, 1932. Doris attended District 44 County school through 8th grade. In 1945 her family moved to Cokato where she attended and graduated from Cokato High School.

On May 1, 1954 Doris married Richard Birkemeyer and together they raised 4 boys.

Doris was an active member of the First Lutheran Church. Quilting with the church women brought her so much joy and she made several quilts for her family as well. Doris was also a member of the Eagles.

Some of the activities she enjoyed were bowling, golfing, riding bike, walking, reading and sewing. In addition, Doris loved garage sales and auctions. So, she set forth to open her own business, The Porch, where she sold antiques. This led to some of her skills in refinishing furniture and caning chairs. Doris also held Office Work positions at Carlson Companies and Leon Holt Chiropractic.

During their retirement years, Doris and Richard spent several winters in Lake Havasu. Even while there, Doris worked at St. Vincent’s Thrift Store. They enjoyed their gambling excursions to Parker, Laughlin, and Las Vegas. Every year Doris and Richard would spend a week enjoying the fall colors at their favorite time share, The Village at Izaty’s.

Doris is survived by her son, Kris; Daughter in law Bridget Birkemeyer; grandchildren, William Brikemeyer, Melanie Birkemeyer (Joel Grave), Hannah Brikemeyer (Zach Fortun), Rebecca Ash (Eric; great grandchildren Orrie, Elaine, Owen, Perseus, Palmer, Bohdi, Berlyn; Brother, Paul Hillmeyer; sisters, Mary Cole, Ruth Johnson, Susie Hillmeyer; sister-in-laws, Patricia Hillmeyer, Susan Hillmeyer.

Doris in her quiet, pleasant, yet fun loving spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends.