Dorothy M. Wiessner
June 17, 1929 - April 22, 2026
Obituary
LODI - Dorothy Wiessner (née Norton), age 96, of Lodi, Wis., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A devout Catholic whose deep faith shone brightly throughout her life, Dorothy was a warm, radiant soul who gave her heart fully to her husband, her six children, and everyone blessed to know her.
Born on June 17, 1929, in Rochester, Minn., she was the daughter of the late Wilford and Margaret (Leonard) Norton. Raised on a small family farm, she grew up watching her father rise before dawn to cultivate the fields and her mother skillfully manage a small-town insurance agency.
On June 24, 1950, Dorothy married the love of her life, Jerry Wiessner, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in West Albany, Minn. Jerry, a highly principled man of strong character, cherished and served their family devotedly. Together, they built a successful small business supplying preprinted legal forms to the consumer finance industry. Through hard work and love, they created a strong foundation that enabled their six children to receive excellent education and pursue higher opportunities.
As a mother, Dorothy raised her children with tender care and unwavering faith, teaching them to love God deeply, respect authority, and treasure family above all. She sacrificed quietly and joyfully so they could thrive, always encouraging them to marry and build loving homes of their own. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy; even well into her nineties, she remained delightfully sharp, wonderfully witty, and full of warm hugs and gentle wisdom. Her loving presence was a priceless treasure. Dorothy enjoyed quilting and sewing, bowling, and traveling. She cherished these activities most because they allowed her to spend time with family and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Wiessner (d. 2010); her sisters, Mary (Haven) Judd and Jean (Jerry) Chambers; and her brothers, Thomas (Pat) and Robert Norton. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Kay (Martin) Wetzel, Diane Petersmarck and Beth Hartford; her sons, Daniel (Mary), Alan J. (Terri) and Mark Wiessner; her 15 grandchildren - Eric (Kelley) Wiessner, Amy (Michael) Eliason, Caitlin (Stuart) Kuzik, David (Emily) Wiessner, Stacy (Raymond) Paz, Alexis (Court) Corbino, Matthew Wiessner, Nicholas Wiessner, Andrew Wiessner, Lucas Wiessner, Alexander (Dora) Hartford, Jacob (Malwina) Wetzel, Timothy Wetzel, Grace Wetzel, and Faith Wetzel; her 12 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Patricia Norton; and other relatives and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish/St. Patrick’s Church, 521 Fair St., Lodi, Wis., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11 a.m., followed by interment at St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to a Catholic charity or St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish would be warmly appreciated.
Dorothy’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She will be forever missed and remembered with smiles and grateful hearts. May she rest in the loving embrace of our Lord. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201