MADISON - Dorothy Alice Lenihan, age 102, of Madison, died peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024. She was born on March 24, 1922, in Danbury, Wis, the daughter of Albert and Beatrice Anderson. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph Lenihan; her three half-brothers, Frank Phelps, George Phelps and Arthur Phelps; her oldest son, Gene Lenihan; granddaughter, Delia Lenihan; and daughters-in-law, Rose and Alice Lenihan.

Dorothy met her husband Joe in the shipyards in Duluth. She was once known as Rosie the Riveter, a welderette during World War II. She later retired from Wisconsin Power & Light.

Joe and Dorothy married on June 15, 1945, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Superior, Wis. Dorothy is survived by her five sons, Ray Lenihan of Winona, Minn., Tim Lenihan of Stevens Point, Wis., Mike Lenihan (Mary Jo Ryan) of Madison, Wis., Steve Lenihan (Doreen) of Oregon, Wis. and Paul Lenihan of Madison Wis.; 10 grandchildren, Joe, Melanie (Lon), Cheri (Bill), Mike (Patti), John, Mary, Jaycee, Chad, Steve (Arielle) and Ashley; four great-grandchildren, Patrick, Addison, Ayden, and Kylee; and sister-in-law, Dorothy B. Lenihan.

Dorothy will be remembered for the incredible life that she lived. She never missed an episode of the game show Jeopardy. We always said she should be on the show she knew all the answers. She enjoyed crocheting blankets for her family, vegetable gardening, playing cards and especially liked her beer. She drank one beer (or so) a day. Maybe that led to her longevity! The memory of Dorothy will never fade.

No services will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Dorothy Lenihan

March 24, 1922 - April 26, 2024

Share photos of Dorothy