Ethel Teresa Dorn

Ethel Teresa Dorn, age 95, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at her home on December 2, 2008, with her son Ralph at her side holding her hand. Ethel was born in Grand Chute on August 17, 1913, daughter of the late Herman and Magdalen (Hesser) Kloes. As a young girl, Ethel grew up on the family farm and enjoyed her days there. She attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and graduated from Appleton High School, Class of 1932. During her high school years, she worked at various jobs, including the A & W Drive-In and the Woolworth jewelry counter.

On October 6, 1934, she married Ralph J. Dorn and they enjoyed their home on Story Street together; he preceded her in death on January 14, 1980. After their only son Ralph was grown, Ethel accepted a job at Gimbel's and Marshall Field's. She worked there for the next twenty years, retiring in 1991 at the age of 78. In 1989 she was chosen one of Field's Finest and won a trip to Chicago. Her family traveled extensively through most of the United States and Canada, and after her husband passed away in 1980, Ethel continued to travel to many foreign countries.

Ethel was an active and supportive volunteer in her community. Ethel was a lifelong and faithful member at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, the Resurrection Choir, the Adult Choir, and the Y Senior Group. She was also a volunteer at the YMCA, the AMC Ladies Auxiliary Group, St. Joseph Food Pantry, and was a longtime poll worker.

Survivors include her son, Ralph E. “Chip” Dorn, Appleton, and many nieces and nephews, especially Susan Vander Velden, Greenville, and Joan Sackett, Lakewood. In addition to her husband, Ralph, Ethel was preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanor Everts, Lulu Sengstock, and twin sister Esther Neuenfeldt; her brothers, Robert, Herman, Ed, Roland, George, Gene, and Arnold; two sisters-in-law: Helen (Kloes) Schwerbel and Margaret (Dorn) Radtke, as well as a good friend, Dick Kilsdonk.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2008, at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 West Lawrence Street, Appleton. Fr. David Belongia will be the celebrant. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Ethel's name to benefit the Alzheimer Association of Wisconsin, 2900 Curry Lane Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311.

Mom: you were more than a great mother; you were also my great friend and companion throughout our lives. Your enthusiasm for life, your vitality, your caring, sharing, and your friendship will be missed. Until we meet with Dad in heaven– peace and love. Everyday you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Your son, Ralph “Chip” Dorn