Dorothy C Mader

Dorothy C. Mader, 89, of La Crescent, died on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Golden Living Center. She was born on October 1, 1922 to Herman and Catherine (Schnedecker) Eden. Dorothy grew up on the family farm in La Crescent, attended Aquinas High School for one year, and graduated from Central High School. Being the first in her family to graduate high school she instilled in her family the importance of continuing education. After graduation Dorothy worked at American Studios, and during WWII took a position at The Auto Lite. After being separated for 2 1/2 years during WWII, Dorothy married the love of her life, Frank, only 22 days after his return, and they were together for 64 Years.

Dorothy was a supportive wife, wonderful mother, and an engaged business partner as they built the family business, Crest Precast. She was an avid gardener with a green thumb second to none. Dorothy was a wonderful cook and loved to bake, continually trying to satisfy Franks insatiable sweet tooth. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling to her winter home in Mesa, AZ, golfing, entertaining and attending the YMCA where she made many friends. She was a longtime member of the Crucifixion CCW, the American Legion Post 595 Auxiliary, and volunteered at St. Francis Medical Center

She is survived by her daughter, Dianne (Tim) Morrison of La Crosse and their children, Matt (Emily Kube) and Ryan (Laurie), her son Steve (Linda) Mader of Coon Valley, WI and their children, Andrew (Elizabeth Gonzales), Erin (Michael) McTigue, Deke (Janell) and Dillon, and her son Gary Mader (special friend Sandra Newburg) of La Crescent and his children, Amy (Travis Tippery), Austen, Lee (Celeste) and Allison, nine great- grandchildren, a sister, Theresa Woodruff of Menomonee Falls, WI, a sister-in-law, Katie Mader-Stolfuss of Onalaska, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 2009, two sisters, Melinda Wieser and Marie Williams, and three brothers, Ed, Lawrence and Henry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Crucifixion, La Crescent. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will be in the Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent on Tuesday from 4:00 7:00 PM and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. Pallbearers will be her seven grandsons. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred and will be donated in Dorothys memory.

Mom was a great role model, exhibiting high integrity, sound moral principles, a work ethic paralleled by none other, and a heart of gold. Mom you are one of the strongest people we have ever met and we could always count on you to give us a straight answer. In addition you were a great mentor and supporter of your 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. We will miss you always, thank you for the memories. Say hi to dad for us, we love and miss you always.

We would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Claddagh House and Golden Living Center for their wonderful and compassionate care mom received the last six months.