Dorothy M Cline

MADISON - Dorothy M. Cline, age 89, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at her daughter’s home with family at her side.  She was born on August 17, 1935, in Shell Lake, Wisconsin., the daughter of Frank and Isabel (Pixley) Bickell.

Dorothy graduated from Northwoods High School, Minong, Wisconsin in 1954. Dorothy met Gove “Gene” Cline in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and later married June 30, 1955, in Minong, Wisconsin.  Dorothy was married to Gene for 69 years.  The first 21 years they spent their life in the US Air Force.  Dorothy and Gene had their first child, Cathy.  Gene had several overseas missions while Dorothy stayed in the United States.  Seven years later they had their second daughter, Kimberly.  Dorothy and Gene continued their military journey in Germany and later in Washington state.  

Over the years, Dorothy excelled in retail sales, first at the Military Base Exchange where she worked for Hallmark Greeting cards, later when she moved back to Wisconsin at Copps in Monona and Kohl’s in Monona.  Dorothy had a strong work ethic and received many awards and praise for her customer service. Dorothy loved going on trips with her co-workers and dressing up for holiday events. Dorothy retired to help with her beloved grandchildren, Blake and Kylie.

Dorothy had many talents from sewing and crocheting to cake decorating and music. She played by ear and also read music, and she passed the love of music onto her grandchildren.  Dorothy supported her daughter’s interests and attended many horse shows and softball games.  She was a very involved grandparent often attending swimming lessons and every school choir, band and sporting event. Dorothy also enjoyed cake decorating.

While Dorothy and Gene had traveled the world during their military years, they still enjoyed going up north and a trip to Niagara Falls. Dorothy loved animals, she had cats growing up, dogs and cats with her family along with grand horses, dogs and cats that she loved deeply. She took up the skill of canning after Gene took great care to grow apple, pear, plum and even a peach tree.  Every fall they would work tirelessly and provide their fresh fruit, jams and canned goods to many friends. Dorothy had a special butterscotch apple pie that was her signature potluck contribution.  Dorothy and Gene’s love and work ethic made them an unstoppable team.  She will be missed greatly for her never-ending love, generosity and compassion for her family.

Dorothy is survived by her cherished husband, Gove “Gene” Cline; beloved daughters, Cathy Cline and Kimberly Miller; grandson, Blake Miller; granddaughter, Kylie Miller; brother, Charles (Ellie); special niece, Julie Burkstrand; special nephews, David Elder and Frank Lee Cline; along with many additionally loved nieces, nephews and relatives. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joe; and sisters, Rose and Jean; and many beloved family pets.

A private service for the immediate family was given on Sunday November 24th. The family wishes to thank Mary, Grace and Heather from Agrace HospiceCare. The family would also like to thank the many friends for their kindness and generosity during this difficult time. Memorials if so desired, can be made in Dorothy’s name to: give.wiscmedicine.org under Women’s Health Greatest needs.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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