Dolores "Dolly" J. Strittmater

Dolores “Dolly” Josephine (Simons) Strittmater, 91, of La Crosse passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Onalaska Care Center.

Dolly was born in La Crosse, WI on August 22, 1933 to John and Josephine (Trussoni) Simons. She grew up on a farm in rural Genoa and attended a one room school house in Romance until 8th grade. She attended Aquinas High School, graduating in 1951. She married Thomas Strittmater on May 31, 1958 and they enjoyed over 40 years of marriage until he passed away in 1999. Dolly worked various jobs over the years including as a seamstress, office manager, dental assistant, and homemaker. She was known for her making her infamous hot dog sauce for the Arterial Tavern and affectionately called the “lunch mom” at Holy Trinity School. Above all, she was a loving wife, mom, daughter, grandmother and sister.

Dolly is survived by her children Terry (Susan) Strittmater, Kay (Rich) Petry; grandchildren Nicole (Adam) Wise, Ryan (Megan) Strittmater, Jessica Strittmater; brother Duane (Mary Lee) Simons; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas; and her parents John and Josephine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13th, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the church.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to Aquinas Catholic Schools or Bethany St. Joseph.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and CNAs at Onalaska Care Center, especially David and Monte for caring for Dolly in her final months. Also, thank you to the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic for her exceptional care.