Dorothy “Dotty” Smeester age 80 of Baldwin, formerly of River Falls, died peacefully Sunday February 3, 2013 at her residence. Dotty was born on January 5, 1933 in Wausaukee, Wisconsin; the daughter of John and Mary Tadish. She attended elementary school in Wausaukee prior to graduating from high school in Amberg, Wisconsin. While in high school, she would meet the love of her life; Loren Smeester. Loren enlisted in the armed forces where he proudly serviced in the United States Navy. During this time, Dotty worked both in Chicago, IL and Puget Sound, WA as a civilian secretary for the Navy and Air Force. The two would be united in marriage on April 22, 1953 in Bremerton, Washington. This union would be further blessed with children Loren Jr., John, and Scott. Dotty worked for Prange Department Store for several years as a secretary while they lived in Green Bay. In 1972, the Smeesters moved to River Falls. They would make Baldwin their home in 1992, when they started raising bison, and Dotty began working in the financial aid department for the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She later helped with the Silver Bison Ranch and Shop. Dotty was a devout Catholic who was extremely grounded in her faith. She cherished her time at Immaculate Conception as a Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) Guild. Dotty also enjoyed time spent bicycling with friends, playing cards and bridge, or working on crossword puzzles. She made many friends within her book club and was always game for a trip to the greenhouse as she loved her flower gardens. Her greatest passion was being the matriarch of her family. Her family was her life. Cooking and baking for them were rewards and not tasks. She was ever so proud of the family she and Loren raised.
Dotty will remain in the hearts of her husband of 60 years Loren Sr., son Loren Jr. (Marilyn) of Baldwin, Scott (Julie) of White Bear Lake, MN, grandchildren Sarah and Noah Smeester, and brother-in-law Ed McWilliams. She is preceded in death by her parents, beloved son John, siblings Ed (Buella), Fran (Ed) Wojick, Bernice (Russell) Leaveck, Evelyn (Odis) McLellan, and Irene McWilliams.
Mass of Christian Burial for Dotty will be 11AM Thursday, February 7 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Musicians will be Mary Cody and Sue Hawkins. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11AM prior to the mass at church Thursday morning. Memorials preferred. Memorials are preferred to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.