Dora Anne (Frojen) Quanbeck

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Quanbeck, Dora Anne Frojen of Minneapolis, passed away on November 8, 2023 at 95. Dora was born a triplet on the family farm near Oakes, ND to Henry and Julia Olson Frojen on March 30, 1928. She attended Augsburg College where she met her life-long love, Philip Quanbeck. After marrying, Dora taught in the Minneapolis Public Schools while Phil completed his seminary training. They lived in Bagley, MN and Princeton, NJ before returning to Minneapolis. Dora added a degree in library science and returned to the Minneapolis Public Schools as a media specialist. She thrived on her work with students and colleagues. Dora was the ultimate hostess and loved to entertain friends and family. She prepared wonderful menus, beautiful tables, and delicious eats to host family groups large and small, church choir, colleagues and others. Over the years she and Phil invited generations of his Augsburg students into their home for conversation, raspberry punch, brownies and bars. Dora embraced DIY long before it was an acronym. She took on projects to meet a need or to learn a skill, ranging from sewing clothing or drapes, re-upholstering furniture, spinning and weaving wool, or refinishing furniture or floors. Her pre-Pinterest activities included collections of clipped images of her favorite ideas. Dora was a life-time learner led by her insatiable curiosity. She planned and researched family camping trips in the U.S. and through much of Europe. Following the family's genealogical roots to Norway, she and Phil made many trips there and relished hosting Norwegian relatives who made return visits to them. The spirit of exploration also led to trips to Israel, Turkey, Ireland, China and Russia. They enjoyed the area arts, attending events at the Minnesota Orchestra, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the National Lutheran Choir. The cabin on Lake Vermilion was a special place for them. Dora's warmth and enthusiasm were felt by all who came to know her. We remember her smile, kind words, generosity, and industriousness. She and Phil shared a deep, abiding and exemplary love. Dora was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Quanbeck; brothers Chester, Philip and Daniel Frojen; and sisters Doris Bretheim and Dorothy Frojen. She is survived by her four children: Philip II (Ruth Johnson), Mary (Loren) Barber, Thomas (Deborah) and JuliAnn (Tom) Erdmann as well as nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. The family offers sincere and special thanks to all the staff of Mt. Olivet Careview and Grace Hospice for the thoughtful and tender care they provided. Per Dora's wishes, her body was donated to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Memorials preferred to Mt. Olivet Homes, Grace Hospice, Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities, Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church, or the Philip and Dora Quanbeck Scholarship Fund at Augsburg University. Memorial service Friday, December 15, 2 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave S with visitation beginning at 1 PM. Service will be livestreamed at blctcmn.com Gill Brothers 612-861-6088 Gillbrothers.com

Published on November 12, 2023