Kevin Lee Dotson

KEVIN LEE DOTSON December 21, 1955 – May 28, 2016   Kevin Lee Dotson, age 60, a long time Park Rapids, MN resident, peacefully passed into eternal life on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the Gift Of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN with his family at his side.             Kevin was born on December 21, 1955 to Gerald and Joanne (Cady) Dotson in Hopkins, MN.  He graduated from Minnetonka Public High School.  As a young man, Kevin began a career in construction, working primarily in the Twin Cities area.  He was united in marriage to Dianna Wirtz on May 8, 1982.  They were blessed with two daughters: Jacqueline and Emily.  The young couple made their home in the Minnetonka area until 1987 when they ventured north to Park Rapids, MN.  Kevin continued working in construction and in 1989, also began driving school bus for the Park Rapids Public Schools. In 1996, Kevin and Dianna started Dotson’s Small Engine Repair.  He and Dianna worked side by side in their business until his health issues made spending quality time with his wife and daughters his greatest priority. For many years, Kevin worked as a “DJ” for “D” Main Event. He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. He made many wooden gifts for kids on his bus route that were engraved with the endearing nicknames he had given each of them.  He took special pride in building cedar strip canoes.  Kevin was an exceptional bowler who enjoyed bowling on the men’s league.  He fulfilled his dream of bowling a perfect game  He also enjoyed golfing and the comradery of his buddies out on the course.  Each fall he looked forward to deer hunting with the gang.  He enjoyed canoeing the Crow Wing River and camping on the North Shore of Lake Superior and BWCA with his wife and daughters.  Kevin was exceptionally patient and enjoyed teaching people of all ages. Above all, Kevin’s most noteworthy achievements were his loving relationships with his wife and daughters he devoted his life to.             Kevin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 34 years, Dianna of Park Rapids; his two daughters: Jacqueline (Amy) Dotson of Bemidji and Emily Dotson (fiancé, Nick Davis) of Park Rapids; Brian Pfeifer of Park Park Rapids; 3 grandchildren: Allie, Caleb, and Rebecca of Bemidji; his mother, Joanne Bliese of New Ulm; his six siblings: Randy (Sandy) Dotson of Hutchinson, Mary Jo (Dave) Runde of Bloomington, Kathy Paulson of Watertown, Cory (Mary) Dotson of Owatonna, Beth Ann of New Ulm and Carla Grams of Hanska; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.             He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Jim.             Memorial services will be held 4 PM Saturday, June 11, 2016 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Reverend James Neubauer and Reverend Timothy Heinecke officiating.  The organist will be Sarah Kaufenburg.  A light luncheon will be held following the service.  A time of visiting will begin one hour prior to the service.  To leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.