Dorothy Ann Halverson, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2020 at Park Vista-The Legacy in Waupaca WI.
She was born March 3,1928 in Monroe, Wisconsin, the only child of Conrad and Emma (Roethlisberger) Stauffacher. Dorothy grew up on a large dairy farm between Monticello and New Glarus, WI. Dorothy graduated from Monticello High School in 1946. After high school Dorothy attended Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois. On September 12, 1952 she married Kenneth Halverson in Monticello, Wisconsin. During their marriage, Ken’s career required several moves within the state; Sturgeon Bay, Monroe, Sun Prairie and finally settling in Waupaca. Dorothy held various jobs throughout her life; dental assistant, cheese packer, childcare, grocery store clerk, florist, school secretary, teacher’s aide and of course homemaker. Dorothy always had a twinkle in her eye, she cared for everyone and greeted newcomers with the same smile and hug as those she had known her whole life. She was feisty and always ready to laugh. Often dressed in her favorite color purple, she enjoyed dancing, especially to Big Bands and polka music. She loved kids and enjoyed feeding them. Her home became the go to place after school, ready with chocolate chip cookies and Chex Mix. She lovingly became known as “Ma” to everyone, young and old. Dorothy had a full life! She enjoyed her family, (especially her grandchildren), her students, dogs, deer, birds and all the local wildlife, music, including her cultural Swiss music, singing, traveling, sewing, gardening, arranging flowers, baking, snacking, dieting, and walking. She was a member of the Waupaca Garden Club, a Bread Basket volunteer and a member of the United Methodist Church, Waupaca.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Heidi Halverson (Jay Gordon), Manhattan Beach, CA; Connie (Jim) Kostrzewa, Iola, WI; Eric (Angie) Halverson, Waupaca, WI. Further survived by grandchildren, Kyle (Emily) Halverson, Fitchburg, WI; Jennifer (Wes) Radtke, Neenah, WI; Max Gordon, Manhattan Beach, CA; Sam Gordon, Rohnert Park, CA, and her first great-grandchild, Mica Halverson, Fitchburg, WI and her many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Celebrate Dorothy with a beer, Gesundheit! Enjoy her Chex Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie, or Play Dough recipes with your kids or grandchildren. Recipes shared in Dorothy’s obituary in the Photos tab at hollyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local charity of your choice in Dorothy’s name. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
Special thanks to the Park Vista-The Legacy staff for their professional and loving care of Dorothy in her final days, and also to the Holly Funeral Home.