Dorothy Pope's Obituary
Dorothy Pope
Waupaca, WI
Age 93 – passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Bethany Pines in Waupaca. She was born on August 18, 1919 in Waupaca, the daughter of William and Minnie (Schultz) Doerfler. She spent her early childhood growing up around the Star Bakery on Main St. in Waupaca, owned by her father and baker, William Doerfler. She graduated from Waupaca High School in 1937 and worked as a legal secretary for ten years working in the courthouse for Judge and Attorney Wendell McHenry, and then Attorney Kyle Anderson. She married Edwin R. Pope on Christmas Eve of 1944 while he was serving in WW II.
Dorothy is survived by her son: Dr. Rex (Linda) Pope of Waupaca, grandson: Nathaniel Pope of Marinette, granddaughter: Lexie (Keith) Stille of Waupaca, two great grandchildren: Gavin and Trinity Stille, and a niece: Mary Ringelstetter of Arlington. She was preceded in death by her husband Eddie in 2004, her mother Minnie in 1951, her father William in 1975, and her brother Gordon “Ding” Doerfler in 2001.
Dorothy was a housewife and an accomplished cook with her kitchen “restaurant” always open to Nathaniel and Lexie. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, and loved feeding and watching her birds, turkeys, squirrels, and deer. Dorothy and Ed lived in their home on the Waupaca River for 50 years. After Ed’s death in 2004, Dorothy lived with her guardian and companion German Shepherd, Shasta. In 2011 Dorothy moved to Bethany Pines where she was content and especially grateful for her very compassionate care in her last weeks.
Dorothy was a curler and a golfer being one of the first women curlers at the Waupaca Curling Club, and a charter member of the Waupaca Country Club. In the 1970’s and 80’s Dorothy and Eddie owned and operated a recreational riverboat business on the Waupaca River near their home. Avidly interested in finance, politics, and world events Dorothy subscribed to and daily read the Wall St. Journal, the Milwaukee Journal, and the Appleton Post Crescent, which she loved to discuss with her son and grandson.
Dorothy is very appreciative of her friend, good neighbor, and land caretaker Rev. Larry Gross who will officiate over her celebration of life to be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Bethany Home Chapel in Waupaca, WI. Entombment will be in the Lind Center Cemetery, Township of Lind, Waupaca County. A visitation will be held at the Bethany Home Chapel on Wednesday from Noon until 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family asks that you please send loving thoughts to your family, your friends, and our earth. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?