"Dorothy was a dear friend and my mentor. She loved life and didn't let things get in her way. She said, "You have to keep moving and you can't give up." And, she followed her own advice. She had a good life, but she also had her share of challenges. Challenges didn't stop her. She had spunk and determination that I and many others admired. Whenever I would spend time with her, it seemed she knew people wherever we went and they all wanted to stop and talk with her. My life was richer to have known her, and I will miss her. I was blessed to have had her as a friend."
In loving memory of
Dorothy Schenk
April 22, 1919 - September 23, 2014
Dorothy Schenk, of Antigo, died Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center. She was 95 years old. She was born on April 22, 1919 in Birnamwood, a daughter of the late Albert and Emma (Boettcher) Gast. She married Hurbert "Jim" Schenk on January 24, 1937 in Shawano. He preceded her in death on September 28, 1974.
She attended Regina Grade School in the town of Almon. She moved to Germantown and worked at Badger Motor Defense Plant for two years and was an Avon representative for eight years. In 1962 she moved to Antigo and worked at Bird of Paradise Supper Club in Antigo and Country Inn Supper Club in Phlox until her retirement.
She enjoyed playing Bingo, cards and pool.
Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Judy Schenk of Abrams; three grandchildren, Susan (Jeff) Radtke of Chicago, Ill., Paul (Vicki) Schenk of San Diego, Cali. and Dean (Chris) Schenk of Wixom, Mich.; six great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan Radtke, Andrew, David, Oliver and Elizabeth Schenk; nieces, nephews, and close friends, Mary and Ed Artz, Linda Diercks and Rudolf Hapke.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy, Karen Kay Schenk; a son, Lloyd Schenk; her companion of 19 years, Arnold "Sonny" Schmelter in 1994; sisters, Selma "Sally" Drews, Ella Hartman and Irene Groskoph; and brothers, Walter, Henry and Ferdinand Gast.
A funeral service will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Mattoon with Rev. Dean Bertsch officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Mattoon. Visitation will be Monday at the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Tributes
"Dorothy was an inspiration. I always called her 'little pool shootin' mama!' and oh, how she would giggle. What an amazing woman!"
"Sweet Aunt Dorothy, You are loved and will be missed. You remind me so much of daddy. I enjoyed our time spent together and the laughs we had. You are at peace now with your family and brothers and sisters. Give daddy an hug for me! Love you"
"Dorothy was a great lady. Rod and myself will miss you a lot. Say hello to Sonny. You were a good friend Dorothy, and we shared lots of laughs. We will remember you always."