Dorothy Young Bottcher Dowling

Dorothy Marie Dowling, 93, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2013 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was born in La Crosse on May 1, 1919, to Joseph John and Elizabeth Josephine (Lambert) Hahn. She was raised with her two brothers and two sisters on the north side of La Crosse. She graduated from Logan High School and she was proud to be a north-sider.

Dorothy married Rudolph John Young in 1938. Together they had four children. Rudy passed away in 1951 of leukemia.

Dorothy worked at the Electric Auto-Lite Co. from 1937-1959. While working there she met Irvin Bottcher. They were married in 1952. They owned and operated the Tip Top Drive-in and Midtown Motel, on the corner of Rose and Monitor, for over 20 years. Because of declining health the businesses were sold. They had one son, Michael. Irvin died in 1983.

Dorothys strong work ethic and compassion for people compelled her to return to school in 1974 to become a nursing assistant. She worked at Hillview nursing home caring for the residents until the age of 70.

After her retirement she met and married John Dowling in 1989. John died in 1999.

In addition to her husbands, she is preceded in death by her parents, her son Stephen Young in 1944, her son Rudolph Young in 2007, her stepson James R. Bottcher in 1997, and her stepdaughter Jean Bottcher Shannon in 1985. Siblings who preceded her in death include Norman Hahn in 1936, Helen Hahn Gilles in 1952, Mildred Hahn Evans and Joseph Hahn in 2001. She is survived by her children Judith Wayne) Witkowski , Joyce (Michael) Davy, Michael (Mary) Bottcher M.D.; daughter-in-laws Mary Ellen Young and Evelyn Bottcher, stepdaughter Eileen Schendel, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and her close friend and cousin Lucille Sis Marcou.

Dorothy loved music, dancing, flowers, baking and family. Her greatest pleasures revolved around spending time with friends and family. Her giving personality and bright smile will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Momont, Dr. Ronald Chaney, and the wonderful staff of Bethany Lighthouse for their compassionate care and support. The family also wishes to thank Schumacher-Kish for their help with arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM; Friday, March 8th at St. James the Less Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Schaller officiating. Entombment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. Memorials are preferred to St. James the Less Catholic Church or Bethany Lutheran Homes (Lighthouse).