Dorothy Lou Ann Boleen, age 92 of Ellsworth, Wisconsin passed away peacefully Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Preferred Senior Living of Ellsworth.

She was born on December 20, 1930 to Edward and Augusta (Martin) Billeter.  She attended Ellsworth High School.  On April 28, 1947 Dorothy married Melvin “Ted” Boleen.  They operated the Moeville General Store and Feed Mill until 1950.  She then worked in Red Wing, Minnesota. In 1980 she joined Ellsworth School District at Lindgren Elementary in food service, retiring in 2003.  During her lifetime, she also taught several students on the piano, accordion and organ.  She and her husband, Ted, played for several community and charity events. 

Dorothy was an active member of Bethel Covenant Church.  She was involved in several local organizations.  She was the President of Ellsworth Legion Auxiliary, a member of the Eastern Star, the Ellsworth Booster Club and served as secretary for the Dollar for Scholars.  She served on several committees, including the Polka Fest and Veterans Recognition Program by the American Legion.  This activity led to her being named the Pierce County Most Admired Senior Citizen and awarded the Kermit Larsen Community Service award from the Chamber of Commerce. 

Along with her amazing love and adoration for her family, Dorothy also had many friends she adored and was well loved by many! She had open arms, welcoming everyone into her home…the more the merrier.  And always – unlimited, homemade cookies and goodies for everyone!  She will be deeply missed. 

Dorothy is survived by her children, Keith (Trudy) Boleen, Jodie Birkel (Randy Deiss), Steve (Jeanne) Boleen; grandchildren, Ryan (Lori) Boleen, Meredith (Rob) Martin, Andy (Madeline) Birkel, Matt (Megan) Birkel, Brandon (Jen) Boleen, Aaron Boleen, Carissa (Jake) Langer; great-grandchildren, Myah Boleen, Tyler and Camryn Martin, Ava Roman, Raleigh and Lila Birkel, Savannah and Lillian Birkel, Ethyn and Levi Boleen, Cooper and Peyton Langer. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by husband Melvin “Ted” Boleen, parents, Edward and Augusta Billeter; sister, Wanda Johnson; and grandson, Cole Birkel. 

A Funeral Service for Dorothy will be at 11:00am on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Bethel Covenant Church: W8403 County Road KK,  Ellsworth, WI 54011. A Visitation will start at 9:00am until the start of the service. Burial will be at Bethel Covenant Cemetery in Ellsworth. Memorials will be used to further her passions.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth,  www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, (715) 273-4421