Dorothy Carolyn Jenswold

Dorothy Carolyn Jenswold, age 92, passed away peacefully at home in Madison, surrounded by family, on Monday, October 20, 2014. She was born the only child to Gerhard and Mildred (Holden) Tollefson in Mount Horeb, on November 13, 1921. Dorothy grew up on her family farm outside of Mount Horeb with her parents and grandparents. She graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1939. On December 5, 1942, she married John F. Jenswold, who preceded her in death on April 19, 1999. Dorothy and John had five children together and lived in the Nakoma Neighborhood for over 45 years. After raising their children, Dorothy worked as a medical secretary. Dorothy had many friends and was very active in the Nakoma Neighborhood throughout the years. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, traveling with her family, and drinking Coca-Cola. Dorothy was quick witted with a clever sense of humor that remained intact through her final days. She loved to tell stories and crack jokes, making family and friends smile on a daily basis. She had a keen interest in current events and kept her finger on the pulse of Madison right up until her death. She was an avid shopper, who never encountered a department store that she did not like. Dorothy loved spending time with her family, and especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. She was always quick to engage with them - telling stories, reading books, and even light saber fighting with her great grandsons. Dorothy always said that she just wanted to live graciously, and while she may not have recognized it, we think she lived a very gracious life. She will be deeply missed and remembered by anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by two sons, Jeff (Chris) Jenswold of Manitowoc, and Joel Jenswold of Stillwater, Oklahoma; a daughter, Jan Jenswold of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Tara Jenswold of Madison; Melinda Jenswold of Madison; Steven Jacobs of Eau Claire; Lara Jenswold of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ; Elise Jenswold of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three great grandchildren, Bryce, Addison, and Riley (Tara); close friends Ann Sippy and family, and Thomas Contreras. She was preceded in death by her husband; her sons John Randolph and James; and special friends Franz and Karma. There will be a visitation with a brief memorial service between 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at Gunderson Funeral Home in Middleton. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761