Dorothy Mae Wendt
June 12, 1941 - January 30, 2024
Obituary
BROOKLYN / OREGON / STOUGHTON - Dorothy M. Wendt, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on June 12, 1941, she was the daughter of Carl and Inez (Krueger) Gunnelson.
Dorothy's journey began as the cherished daughter of her late parents and the sister to her late brother, Richard Gunnelson. Her formative years were spent in Oregon, where she graduated from Oregon High School with the class of 1959. It was not long after her graduation that she found her lifelong partner in Wilfred "Will" Wendt. They were united in marriage on Aug. 15, 1959. For their honeymoon, they traveled to Yellowstone National Park and saw Old Faithful. Together they embraced the joys and challenges of farming life on the Wendt family farm. Their partnership was blessed with four children, who became the center of Dorothy's world.
Dorothy's love for children shone brightly through her work as a school bus driver and as a member of the food service team at Brooklyn Elementary School. Her gentle spirit and kind heart left a lasting impression on all the young lives she touched. Dorothy's interests were as rich and varied as the life she led. She and her husband shared a passion for dancing and playing Euchre with their card club friends. Dorothy's adventurous spirit was also reflected in her travels with her best friend, Carol, with whom she created countless cherished memories. Their trip to Ireland was a true highlight in their travels.
Among Dorothy's favorite destinations were the rugged beauty of Alaska, the mystique of Devils Tower, and the serene landscapes of the Mississippi River during the fall. She relished her trips to Door County and the excitement of a Canadian fishing expedition with husband, Will, and son, Duane. Dorothy's love for the outdoors was evident in the care she took of her garden, a place where she found peace and contentment.
A devoted wife and mother, Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Will, and their children, Charlotte (Robert Gemmill) Wendt, Sandra (Bill Thorson) Wendt and Scott (Susie) Wendt. She was a proud grandmother to Jennifer Wendt, Luke Ampe, Nicole (Chad) Klahn, Joshua Wendt, and Samantha (Nathan) Gothard, and a doting great-grandmother to Adalena. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents; son, Duane "Dewey" Wendt; brother, Richard Gunnelson; and her brothers-in-law, Rodney (JoAnne) Wendt and Herbert (Violet) Wendt.
A Celebration of Life will be held at KETTLE PARK SENIOR LIVING, 2600 Jackson St., Stoughton, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.
A special thank you to the staff at Skaalen Home and Kettle Park Senior Living for their care of Dorothy. Especially to her special friend, Anne for her support and friendship. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N.
(608) 873-4590