Dolores Rothe

Rothe, Dolores M. Dolores M. Rothe, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 15, 2013 at Eden Meadows in Oshkosh. She was born May 6, 1921 in Oshkosh to Joseph “Zip” and Marie (Koelbl) Schuster and later married Ernest G. Rothe on Sept 20, 1947 at St. Vincent’s Church in Oshkosh. Dolores worked many years as a beautician and loved to talk to people, taking a genuine interest in their lives. The daughter of a cobbler and champion 1920s boxer, she harbored a lifelong fondness of shoes, but she also knew her way around a speed bag/ punching bag. She was a Camp Fire leader when her daughters were young and, always the proponent of education, she dedicated much time to volunteering at St. Vincent’s school. She also served as an Air Raid Warden during WWII. Dolores was a humble person who loved and embraced all cultures and who had a particular affiliation for anything with a Native American theme. She was a wealth of knowledge about US history and was full of sound advice, strong encouragement, and love for her children and grandchildren. Dolores was also an incredible cook; Christmas at her home always smelled of warm apple cider and savory German dishes. In her final years, Dolores struggled with an increasingly silent and confusing version of reality, but her nurturing nature never left her. She doted on her favorite stuffed bear, Sazu/ Suzie/ Bobo/ Higado, whom she talked to, made up songs for, and attempted to feed, and who was never let out of her sight except for the occasional (though much-needed!) date with the washing machine. Dolores also never forgot how to work over a speed bag, something she demonstrated when she received one for her 91st Christmas. The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff at Eden Meadows who imparted kindness, comfort, and dignity to Dolores’s life through her dying day, and who performed a beautiful departure ceremony that granted us peace during our saddest hour. Dolores is survived by her husband, Ernest; two daughters: Paula Cartwright of Omro and Cary Rothe of Oshkosh; one son, William “Mr. Bill” (Audree) Rothe; four grandchildren: USMC Sergeant Andrew (Kim) Cartwright of Escanaba and Ann Cartwright, Jennifer Rothe, and Patrick Rothe, all of Oshkosh; two great-grandchildren: Samantha and Alexander Cartwright; one sister, Bonnie Collar of Menasha; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents. A small family memorial service officiated by Fr. Matt Simonar was held on Tuesday at Fiss & Bills Poklasny Funeral Home in Oshkosh, after which she was committed to the earth at Lakeview Cemetery. Although Dolores loved flowers and their vibrant color, she requested that a memorial be established in her name instead. Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Homes 865 S. Westhaven Drive Oshkosh, WI 54904 (920) 235-1170 www.fissbillspoklasny.com

Dolores Rothe

May 6, 1921 - February 15, 2013

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