Dorothy Rose Neises, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Machesney Park, IL.

She was born on June 6, 1933, in Kenosha, WI, the daughter of Natale and Giovannina Aiello, first-generation Italian naturalized immigrants to the United States.

Dorothy attended Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha. She was employed as a cook by S.C. Johnson & Son at their Frank Lloyd Wright-designed headquarters in Racine, WI, until her marriage to Arnold R. Neises on January 7, 1956, in Kenosha. The family moved to Monroe in 1965, where Arnold managed the local Railway Express Agency office. Along with raising a family, she was the head cook at the White Haven Nursing home for several years until it closed and then worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Clare Hospital until retiring in 1995.

She could often be found in the kitchen preparing an Italian meal that would make many restaurateurs blush or combine leftovers into a wholesome ’michcatine’. Also, a gifted crafter and seamstress, she could make or mend anything her family needed or damaged.   

An active member of St. Victor’s Catholic Church, Dorothy was also a Den mother for Cub Scout Pack 110 and was involved with other civic-minded groups over the years.

With her love, caring, support, and complete selflessness, “Mom” was the epitome of motherhood. The guidance she offered and the discipline she instilled in her children continue to serve them well.

Six loving children survive her: Laura Short (Daniel Marcum) of Monroe, Steven (Barbara) of Arlington, SD, Robert (Lori) of Minnetrista, MN, Jayne (David Brunkow) of Machesney Park, IL, Theresa (James) Talbert of Neenah, WI, Jeffery (Susan Engler) of Monroe; grandchildren: Christine (Ryan) Toedebusch, Jaclyn Neises (Mike Breitzman), Jarred & Jeremy Talbert; step-grandson, Brett (Carrie) Johnson; great-grandchild Isabella Rose Toedebusch, and step-great-grandchildren Nathan and Luke Johnson; her sister Mary Winters of Kenosha, brother-in-law, Larry Neises of Kenosha, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold, her parents, brother Anthony in infancy, brothers Eugene and Albert Aiello, brothers-in-law Francis Neises and Richard Winters, and sisters-in-law, Rose Neises, Rose Aiello, and Diane Aiello.

Services and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.