Dorothy A. Kahle, 91, of Road Lake Road, Tomahawk, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at Country Terrace in Tomahawk.
Dorothy was born Feb. 11, 1930 in Merrill, Wis., to Arthur and Nina (Allen) Hilgendorf. Dorothy lived her entire life in the Tomahawk area and was married to Joseph A. Kahle on July 7, 1951 in Irma. She had been employed in the Tomahawk School district as a Teacher’s aide for over 20 years and one of the joys of her teaching career was working with special needs children.
She also enjoyed bowling (sporting some pretty wonderful homemade Halloween costumes), golfing (winning many tournaments and trophies) and dancing for charity with her friends to “By The Light Of The Silvery Moon.”
Above all, family was her first and primary joy. Even if you were not an official relative, in her midst, you’d feel a part of her family. Dorothy had an ability to make everyone feel special but it was her devoted husband, Joe, who stole her heart. Many looked to Joe and Dorothy as the model couple and their love and commitment to each other was recently celebrated at their 70th wedding anniversary.
Dorothy was the ideal grandmother. She will be remembered by her family as patient, kind, loving, selfless and welcoming. She looked forward to summers when the pool was ready and all the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids came home to enjoy her fun-loving company in the Northwoods. Combining her creativity and generosity, she spent many hours knitting, quilting and crafting. She knitted beautiful, personalized Christmas stockings for all her children, grandchildren, some nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren ‘till she couldn’t do it anymore!
Dorothy was a faithful servant of God and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. In her younger years, she actively participated in nearly every facet of church life, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, and supporting many other missions of the church, focusing above all else on the love of God.
Survivors include her husband – Joe; children – Dana (Myra) Kahle of Union Grove, Wis., Pam (Mark) Czerwinski of Kronenwetter, Wis., Kim (Michael) McDavit of Arlington, Va., and Kay (Jeff) Olson of Tomahawk; and a daughter-in-law – Polly Kahle of Tomahawk. She is further survived by 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and siblings – Stan Hilgendorf of Lake Geneva, Kyrle (Arnie) Hilgendorf of Irma and Jo Carol (Jim) Moede of Lake Geneva. Dorothy also leaves behind two sisters-in-law – Phyllis Evans and Ginny (Gene) Swan. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son – Todd, and siblings – Art, Caroline, Lloyd, Darwin, Ty, and Bob; her brother-in-law – Donald Kahle; and sister-in-law – Elsie Bartz.
The Funeral Service for Dorothy Kahle will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Pastor Mark Gass will officiate. The family will receive friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.