Dorothy F. Pollesch

Dorothy F. Pollesch, 88, of Fox Lake passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Dorothy Florence was born January 18, 1937 the daughter of John and Edna (Raabe) Cramlet in the City of Beaver Dam.  She attended St. Stephen’s Lutheran School in Horicon and graduated from Horicon High School in 1955.  Dorothy married her high school sweetheart, Darrell D. Pollesch on May 18, 1957.  They shared 68 years of marriage.

Dorothy was a faithful member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Fox Lake.  The friendships with others at St. John’s brought her comfort and happiness.

Dorothy valued staying busy, gardening and teaching her children and grandchildren about the value of family, love, humility and prayer.

Dorothy enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends.   She would try new recipes; baking cookies, cakes, breads and her famous dinner rolls for family gatherings.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Darrell and their six children: Dawn Shillalies of Maine, Dale (Karen) Pollesch of Spring Lake Park, MN, DeAnn (Art) Thurmer of Fox Lake, Doreen (Mike) Kuzniewicz of Beaver Dam, Douglas (Heather) Pollesch of Fremont, WI and Daniel (Debbie) Pollesch of Germantown, WI.  She is further survived by 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Edna Cramlet, in-laws Louis and Hazel Pollesch, sisters: Lorna Adair and Carol Cordeeiro, brother John Cramlet and other extended family.

A memorial gathering for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 110 Edgelawn Drive, Fox Lake. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bryan Prell officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Fox Lake, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be made to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School, Fox Lake (Tuition Assistance).  This ministry was very important to Dorothy.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Bryan Prell for his visits and prayers and also to the staff of SSM Hospice for your compassionate care of Dorothy. Your kindness will always be remembered.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.