Kyla K. Dotter

Kyla K. Dotter, age 36, of Tomahawk, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Kyla was born in Tomahawk on Oct. 25, 1987, to Gene “Tweet” and Catherine (Sherman) Heikkinen. She was married to the love of her life, Derek Dotter, on Sept. 6, 2014; he survives.

Kyla grew up in Tomahawk where she was a 2006 graduate of Tomahawk High School. She entered the military in 2007, serving in the United States Air Force as a Load Master, deployed to over 50 countries. She was very proud of her service, and her family was even prouder. After completion of her enlistment, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree, majoring in biology and minoring in education. Kyla was a talented basketball and softball athlete. It was because of her participation in high school sports that inspired her to become a teacher. Kyla began teaching at Tomahawk High School in 2017, teaching biology, anatomy, earth science, and was the Science Club advisor. She respected her students, and in return, her students respected her. Kyla enjoyed golfing and the camaraderie as a member of the Tuesday Night Women’s League at Edgewater Country Club. Her life was never about her, but always about her husband, her children, and her family.

Survivors include her husband, Derek Dotter, of Tomahawk; her children, Reid and Blayke Dotter; her parents, Tweet and Cathy Heikkinen, of Tomahawk; her sister, Katie (Seth) Kroening; and her mother and father-in-law, Gary and Cindy Dotter. She is further survived by many extended family members. Kyla was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family wishes to thank the Tomahawk Community, Ties that Bind Us, Jennifer Black, Chris Bembinster, and so many others too numerous to mention for the outpouring of support, kindness, concern, and encouragement throughout Kyla’s fight. This community has blessed them more than they can say. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Generations Funeral Home, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.