Aurelia ''Dolly'' May Westphal

Aurelia ‘Dolly’ May Westphal (Bruso, Kobs)

Age 68, of Menasha, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2002 at her home surrounded by family, after a battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Dolly was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, November 26, 1933, to Sylvester J. and Gertrude C. (Hoffman) Bruso. Dolly grew up in Appleton, going to local grade schools and Appleton West High School. She also attended Fox Valley Technical College. Dolly was a seamstress all of her adult life and sewed for Appleton businesses, Stage 7 and Krieck Furs and had many private customers. She also was a CNA and worked for St. Elizabeth Hospital, Americana Nursing Home and The Up-John Corp. Dolly did volunteer work for The Badger/Hawkeye Regional Red Cross Blood Bank for twenty nine years. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary for fifteen years and the Marine Corps League Auxiliary since 1983, serving as their State and Unit Chaplain for fifteen years.
Dolly married Norman F. Westphal on September 15, 1979. She enjoyed sewing and making things for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years Dolly made thirty nine quilts. She said, ‘I put a little love in all of them’. She also enjoyed camping, photography, motorcycle riding and watching Packer games with Norm.

Survivors include her husband Norm, a daughter, Dana (Fred) Babino, a son, Daniel (Vivian) Kobs and a stepdaughter, Sue (Lawrence) Webb. Eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, a sister Adeline (John) Schneider, three sisters in law, Norma Johnson of Menasha, Audrey (Tom) Peterson of Townsend, and Sandy (David) Kackstock of Arizona, two brothers in law, Harvey (Pat) Westphal of Neenah, and Allen Westphal of Menasha. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Dolly was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana L. Kobs, a sister, Sylvia J. Bruso, her parents and a great grandson.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at 1:00 PM, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Appleton, with Father Justin Werner officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM until the time of service also at the church. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
Dolly and the family want to thank everyone for their love, concern and prayers. A special thanks to sister, Addie and neighbor Helen Behrens and also to Dr. Herman and Dr. Maguire and their staffs as well as the Theda Care Hospice for their care.

Just A Little Note From Grandma
Well kids, I guess it’s time for me to say good-bye and good night. You think about tomorrow and all the things you have to do. When you think of me, think about the good times and all the things I have taught you. Be honest and show respect for yourself and for others and above all, be kind and loving. Don’t cheat yourself or anyone else. Be proud of who you are, don’t compare yourself to anyone, just be better than you think you can be. I’ll be busy patching angel wings, sewing up a seam or two and making quilts of love for everyone. When you snuggle up with the quilts I’ve made for you, think of your quilt as my arms holding you tight. Good-night, I love you,

For Those I Love
For Those Who Love me When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn‚Äôt tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. Thank you for the love each of you have shown, but now it‚Äôs time to travel on alone. So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It‚Äôs only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories that lie within your heart. I won‚Äôt be far away, for life goes on , but if you need me, call and I will come… though you can‚Äôt see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart you‚Äôll hear all of my love around you, soft and clear…and then…when you must come this way alone…I‚Äôll greet you with a smile and say ‚Äúwelcome home‚Äù.

Wichmann Funeral Homes
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com