Dorothy Wuetrich passed away peacefully at home on June 20th, 2024.
We know how we are supposed to write an obituary, but we care less about dates and details and more about telling the story of the sweet and sassy woman we know as a wife, mother, nana, friend, employee, business owner and patient. She is a force we can’t imagine life without.
Dorothy was born on April 16th, 1945 in Monroe, WI. She lost her dad as an infant and eventually lived with her grandma whom she adored. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that her proudest accomplishment is being known as the best nana/grammy/nanny/gma around, attending every event she could and cherishing every moment allowed.
Undoubtedly, her greatest joy was her family. She married James (Pat) Wuetrich in 1965. Over the course of 59 years, they ran three businesses, raised two kids, and had four grandchildren. Both of their children, Alan and Patricia, have advanced degrees, successful careers, and amazing families. She was exceptionally proud of them all. Ultimately, she still cared most about getting a kiss from the love of her life.
Her family knew her as a dedicated employee and business woman. She adored her time running the Corner Cafe in Monroe with Pat, a business his grandfather had initiated. She’d also been a co-owner of Pat’s Bar and Ruf’s Confectionary. From St. Clare Hospital to Dorman Cheese to Dick’s Supermarket to Monroe Truck Equipment to Mercy Hospital in Janesville, Dorothy left it all on the table with her jobs. No one had a better work ethic.
While work and family dominated her days, over the years, she embraced a few passions in no particular order: crocheting, quilting, cooking for large crowds, polka dancing, traveling, viewing sports, and watching NCIS. She loved pioneering with good friends and sipping mimosas at family gatherings.
Dorothy is survived by a devastated crew of family and friends including her husband, Pat, her kids, Al (Brenda) and Tricia (Bill) Clasen, her grandchildren: Lexi, Grace, Ryan, and Faith. Beloved sisters-in-law: Mary Jo, Therese, Barb, Michele and Becky. Extended “grandchildren” Hailey, Hunter, and Lauren.
We figure we’ll never taste a better apple pie, and without her stain master powers, our clothes will never be as clean.
She was preceded in death by both parents, Ray and Pauline, her siblings Butch and Jean Ann, and sister-in-law Kaye. ‘
Her family is grateful to a multitude of care providers in the Mercy Health System with a special shoutout to Dr. Anjum, Dr. Arndt, her Mercy Dialysis friends, and the Mercy Hospice Team as well as the Rock County Transit drivers.
Her family welcomes you to a Celebration of Life at Milwaukee Grill in Janesville on July 7th from 1-3 PM. Come share food, mimosas, and stories.
