Dorothy F. Gillen

Dode Schouten Gillen passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 5:45 AM. She was born on December 15, 1911, in Freedom. She was a sickly infant (Grandma Schouten’s sister told Grandma, “Let the good Lord take her.” Grandpa responded, “She wants to live.” And so she did, for ninety-six years. Dorothy's parents were Bernard and Katherine (Garvey) Schouten. Her siblings were Genevieve (Jack) Biese, James (Helen) Schouten, Joseph (Irene) Schouten, Richard (Phyllis) Schouten; they are all deceased.

Dorothy grew up on a farm in rural Freedom, and attended St. Nicholas Grade School. After graduation, she attended Freedom High School and graduated at the top of her class in June of 1929. Dorothy then attended Mercy School of Nursing in Oshkosh and received her nursing degree in 1932. After receiving her degree, she worked as a private duty registered nurse in the Fox Valley area. Her nursing career continued until her marriage to Bernard “Ben” Gillen on July 18, 1940. They had three children: the first child was stillborn. Then they had a daughter Diane and a son Jim. Ben and Jim preceded Dorothy in death. Dorothy and Ben had an active social life: they belonged to the Kaukauna Elks Club (Lady Elks) and a marathon bridge group for many years. They were both avid bridge players. The couple also held Green Bay Packer season tickets since Lambeau Field was built in the late 1950's. Dorothy also attended games at the old City Stadium. Dorothy was good mother, sister, and daughter. She remained close to all of her family. She also had many good friends, most of whom are deceased. Besides bridge and football, Dorothy also enjoyed reading and writing letters to the editor of the Post Crescent regarding political issues. She also wrote “Ode To a Golf Ball”, which was rather hilarious. She was witty, and had a caustic sense of humor. Dorothy enjoyed going out to eat, visiting friends, and even attended Packer games well into her 90's.

She is survived by her daughter: Diane Gillen Gunderson; a nephew: Clem Christensen who lived with the Gillen family after the death of his mother. Dorothy is also survived by other family members and many friends. She will be sorely missed by those who are left behind, but will be grandly welcomed by her family who are in eternity.

The funeral liturgy for Dorothy will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Tom Pomeroy officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday from 2:00 PM until the hour of the services.

The family would like to offer their gratitude Jeanine Hulm and Nicci Cummings, as well as to the many kind caregivers at Kindred Hearts.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200