Mary Lou Dobihal

Mary Lou Dobihal, age 94, of White Bear Lake, formerly of Big Fork, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Prelude memory Care. Mary Lou was born on September 18, 1930, in New Prague, to George F. and Eleanor Louise (Bruzek) Parkos. She spent a week-and-a-half in kindergarten and went right to first grade! After graduating from New Prague High School, she completed a nursing degree at the College of St. Scholastica. She had a date with a handsome young man for junior prom. It would be a year later at senior prom that she and Chuck Dobihal, this handsome young man, would have their second date! They were married on August 8, 1953, at St. Wenceslaus Church, after both had finished college and Chuck had completed his military service. Mary Lou started her career as an RN at Queen of Peace Hospital and continued her career at Big Fork Hospital after the couple moved their family there in June of 1976.

Mary Lou’s life revolved around service and her faith. She was a longtime active member of the Council of Catholic Women, heading up two missions while in Maplewood and starting one at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Big Fork. That spirit of service and welcome continued at home, entertaining anyone who entered her home with wonderful meals, graciousness and warmth. Mary Lou loved to laugh and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to sew and knit, and her sewing machine was always in operation, even while watching TV. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and her sweet, gentle nature will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Mark (Jane) of Cope, SC, Kathy Albers of White Bear Lake, Tom (Monica) of Eagan, Mike (Lorie) of Lino Lakes, Charlie (Cathy) of Maplewood; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 3 more on the way; brother, Father John Parkos. She is preceded in death by her husband, Chuck on July 24, 2016 and her son, Dave on November 9, 2014.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will take place at church from 10-11. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with lunch following at the KC Hall.