Dorothy Helen Kaestner

Dorothy Helen (Bramman) Kaestner, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2018. She was born in Milwaukee, WI, on December 9, 1928 to Herman and Dorothea Bramman. She married Jack Kaestner in 1953 with whom she had 3 children who were the delight of her life. The family moved from Milwaukee to Baraboo in 1968 where Dorothy worked at JCPenneys and volunteered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, making lifelong friends at both places. In 2000, she joined her daughter, Sue, in Madison and worked as the bookkeeper for Sue’s business, The WIDGET Source.   Dorothy put the feelings and needs of others before her own. She was an excellent listener, a devoted Christian, and a dedicated friend to many. She enjoyed spending time with her family and they with her. She was so proud of her children’s accomplishments, both daughters have their own businesses and she was able to help them wherever she was needed. Her son, Chef Jack teaches sustainability and culinary science at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Previously he had been the head chef at the Oconomowoc Lake Club for 20 years where the members were able to enjoy many of Dorothy’s family recipes. Another joy was being GrandDogMa, to Matty, Albert, Stanley, Mandy Sue and Lucy. She had a lifelong affection for ice cream and frozen custard that she actively shared with others. Dorothy’s gentle presence, caring personality, and quick smile will be missed by all who knew her.Surviving her are her children Sue Ann Kaestner, Madison, WI, Kristine (David) Bowman, Tallahassee, FL, Jack (Mary) Kaestner, Whitefish Bay, WI, devoted friend Betsy (Bill) Hoeft of Green Bay, her best friend since high school and many other friends and family.The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Louanne, Marilyn, Dolores, Lila, Nancy, Todd, Kim, Sharon, Tracy, Heather, Heartland Hospice, the Middleton Villa, the Home Communion and Care volunteers, and the pastors at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, on Wednesday, May 9 at 3:30 pm. A time for fellowship to follow the service from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church In-Reach Ministries.