Dorothy "Dot" Smith

SMITH, DOROTHY E.
Mrs. Arthur J. Theiss
“Dot”

Dorothy “Dot” Smith, age 84, of Appleton, passed away peacefully with her family surrounding her from head to toe on Saturday, March 11, 2012. Dot was born on December 16, 1927, in Montello, Wisconsin, to the late Herman and Clara (Klawitter) Draeger. She married Dr. Jesse W. Smith on July 27, 1947, in Wisconsin Dells; he preceded her in death on September 26, 1970. The family circle includes her loving husband of 23 years, Art Theiss; her six children, Richard (Char) Smith, and son Alex; Dr. Mark Smith, and daughter, Samantha; Reed (Bonnie) Smith, and son Jesse (Tabitha) and Dot's great granddaughter, Brooklynn; Julie Jo (Robert) Seubert, and children Brett (Jena), Jessica and Tyler; Pastor Todd (Pam) Smith, and Mallory and Mariah; and Timothy (Mary) Smith, and sons Spencer, Dexter and Trevor. On September 19, 1988, Dot married Arthur J. Theiss. He survives, along with step-daughter Amy (Ron) Kurtz, and sons Daniel and David; and step-grandsons, Ryan Schultz, Adam Williams, Sarah Cheney and her children, Maggie, Brady and Grace. She is further survived by her brother, Byron (Marilyn) Draeger; her sisters-in-law, Mary Draeger, Genevieve Reuter and Carrol Theiss. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Robert Draeger and her sister Vivian Mileski. That circle of family that surrounded her at her bedside along with her faith were the center core of Dorothy's life. Together, each and every day Dot and Art would start their day with their daily devotions, prayers, and songs. Even though life placed many challenges for Dot, with the loss of her sight, cancer and stroke, and whether it was at home, in the hospital or nursing home, this love for God and family continued up to the very end. All of her children and grandchildren knew as they started each day that if any were facing any challenges or celebrations in life—a prayer from Dot or Art would automatically be said to help them through their day. Dot's greatest joys were seeing and going to her kids and grandkids concerts, sporting events and plays. Drives she and Art took to just stop in and say “hi” because she made some extra soup, or leftovers, were also just a part of their daily lives. Dot loved having the family hold hands and creating the family circle (which continues to grow) at each holiday, making sure that we took the time to be thankful for this special blessing. Dot was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church since its formation in 1952. She was a member of the Women's Society, Stewardship Committee and Adult Bible Group. Dot was also employed part-time for St. Patrick's Book Store. She was a volunteer for the Salvation Army, the cancer program “Reach To Recovery,” Appleton Medical Center and the League of Women Voters. Funeral services for the celebration of Dot's life will be at NOON on Friday, March 16, 2012, at OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3009 N. Meade Street, Appleton, with Rev. Kurt Hoffmann officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit the Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin and the Cancer Society of Wisconsin. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Art and Amy for all the love and fun road trips, Theresa and Shirley at AMC, and staff at Oakridge Gardens, for their loving care.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
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www.wichmannfargo.com