Park Rapids – Gardavon “Dolly” Dellys Kisch Hallstrom, 85, of Park Rapids, passed away with the love of her life, Hank, at her side on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Hank and Dolly were high school sweethearts, marrying in 1956. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in the Twin Cities, finishing school and sneaking in late nights of dancing out on the town. They built their life in Centerville, welcoming three children: Rob, Shari, and Wade before moving to their home of 36 years in St. Hilaire.
With her beautiful smile, Dolly was a social butterfly and knew how to throw a party – big or small; every occasion was centered around people and food, what she said was the perfect mix. Her theme parties were particularly creative – in the 80s when the economy crashed, she hosted a “Hard-Time” party, serving pork and potato dumplings and encouraging guests to wear their worst.
Dolly was always willing to go along with Hank’s adventure-loving spirit. They logged thousands of miles on the Alaska Highway and across the lower forty-eight – often with their kids, and later grandkids, in tow. No matter where they were – in a tent, camper, or home – she was sure to take care of every little detail, ensuring that everyone felt at home. While Dolly loved to travel alongside Hank, he also knew the trick to keeping her happy: “always park between the mountain and the mall.”
The youngest of four children, Dolly was born on August 20, 1938, to Andrew and Hannah Peterson Kisch at their home in rural Thief River Falls. She started school at four years old at Steiner Country School. Graduating from Lincoln High School, she went on to complete cosmetology at St. Paul School of Hairdressing.
Dolly spent her 50+ year career helping other women feel beautiful. She worked at two salons in St. Paul and later owned Dolly’s in Centerville and The Hair Cellar in St. Hilaire. In addition to spending her days in the salon, she found a passion for teaching at Thief River Falls college, mentoring and supporting young women in the profession. Over the years Dolly’s customers became friends; she forged many deep and lasting relationships over her aerosol hairspray.
Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, Dolly was a woman of faith. She actively attended services no matter where they were in their travels and lived her life as a faithful steward of God. She passed on her love of Christ to her children and grandchildren, spending countless hours at their bedsides teaching the Lord’s prayer. Dolly will continue to do good in the world; she very generously bequeathed her body to the University of Minnesota for research and study.
She will be greatly missed by her husband of 67 years, Hank; their three children: Rob (MaJeana), Shari (John Olson), and Wade (Heidi); six grandchildren; and six (soon to be seven) great-grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Dolly is preceded in death by her parents; siblings and grandson, Hunter Hallstrom.
A service will be held at the Hubbard United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 with a visitation at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m.
A burial service will be held at Black River Church, west of St. Hilaire, at a later date.
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