Dorothea A. 'Dode' Stearns, passed away on December 28, 2020.  She was predeceased by her parents, Victor and Minnie (Arnold) Ullan; her sister, Zetha (John) Randall; brothers, Lloyd (Izabelle), John (Kay), and Richard (Frieda) Ullan; her former husband, Ronald Stearns; and almost all of her longtime friends.

Dode was born in Duluth on March 17, 1924.  She graduated from Central High School in Superior in 1942.  Back in the day, her many interests included sewing dance costumes, girl's clothes and wedding dresses; hand work, including embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and quilting.

Dode was an avid bowler and reader.  She was employed as a waitress and a bookkeeper, retiring in 1988.  Dode made the best, from scratch, chocolate cakes, often adding very creative decorations.  Her favorite color was blue.  Dode passed a behind-the-wheel and written driver's exam at the age of 90.

Dode was a supportive mother to Vickie (Jim) Olson and James Stearns; a devoted "Gram" to Phillip Stearns, Bruce, WI and Aaron (Krista) Martineau, Solon Springs, WI.  She was also a loving "Nana" to Jessica and Jordyn Stearns and an adoring "Grama Dodie" to Desi and Harper Martineau. Dode is also survived by her favorite nephew, Dick Ullan, and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Charlie, Suzie and Jeanne.  Also, thank you to the staff at Aspen Health (formerly Middle River Health) for their unwavering compassion, patience and good humor providing Dode's end of life care.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please support your local Lions Clubs for their generosity to children with special needs.  Donations, in Dode's name, may be made to Aspen Health's Activity Fund, as desired.

Following Dode's wishes, a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery.