Mrs. Dorothy M. Foss

VERONA- On Monday, May 16, 2011, Dorothy M. Foss, age 95, passed away at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Her struggle against the progressive insults of painful body degeneration and Alzheimers disease is done. While mental decline took away her ability to carry on conversations, it did not take away her positive disposition. Dorothy was the oldest of three girls, born on Jan. 15, 1916, in Mount Horeb, to parents Peter and Alena (Thompson) Lukken. She is survived by Ruth Melter and her children, Richard Johnson, Sharon Bublitz and Carlene Jorgensen; and Gladys Hoffman and her children, Janice Carberry and Sandra Kube. Dorothy married Kenneth Foss on June 20, 1936. Together they enjoyed auctions, collecting and gardening. They had great fun arriving at their 50th anniversary party in a restored Model A truck. After 53 years of marriage, Ken died in 1989. He was active in ham radio and car restoration. Dorothy had a long career as printer of the Olds Seed catalogue, a tax consultant with Oliver Tax Service and as a self employed printer, specializing in wedding stationery and business documents. She had a strong interest in genealogy. Long before computers, she was a major writer, seller and distributor of the big red Thompson-Rue Family book, with history dating back to 1759. This required years of research to compile and update. She was a masterful organizer, reader and saver of family documents. Dorothy was an accepting and patient caregiver to both her mother-in-law, Mary and her mother, Alena. Mary lived with Ken and Dorothy for their entire marriage. This should qualify her for a special place in heaven. The last years of life were graciously transitioned at Willow Pointe Assisted Living in Verona. She was appreciative of her caregivers. She had fond memories of neighbors from homes on Zeno St., Oak Park Rd. in rural Marshall, and an apartment on Jana Lane. Dorothy enjoyed following the activities of nieces and nephews, and their children. She was comfortable in solitude, but also empathetic to friends and relatives. Although in pain in her later years, she was uncomplaining. Her compassionate heart and soul will not be forgotten. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, with the Rev. Bernt Tweit presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of service on Friday. Memorials can be sent to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Madison, in appreciation for years of in-home visits by the pastors. Memorials: Memorials can be sent to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Madison, in appreciation for years of in-home visits by the pastors. Cemetery: Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of service on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, with the Rev. Bernt Tweit presiding.