Dorothy J. Kruckeberg

Dorothy Josephine Kruckeberg, age 85, of Appleton, passed away Tuesday evening, September 1, 2009 at Appleton Medical Center. Dorothy was born on July 14, 1924 to the late Jacob “Jake” and Catherine (Peeters) Gerrits. She was a graduate from Appleton High School, class of 1941.

On June 28, 1947 Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald J. Kruckeberg Sr. in Appleton. They spent 48 wonderful years together until Donald preceded her in death on December 5, 1995.

In earlier years she enjoyed golfing and bowling and was a member of many leagues around the valley. In her later years, she was an avid sheepshead and canasta player. She loved watching Packer games, gardening, and tending to her flowers. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved gathering the family and celebrating holidays and birthdays.

Dorothy was employed for many years at Marshall Fields (formally Gimbel's), until her retirement. She volunteered the last 13 years at Appleton Medical Center in both the gift shop and family surgical. For several years she and her friend Shirley volunteered for Meals on Wheels in the Fox Valley Area. She was a charter member of St. Thomas Moore Parish since 1963.

Dorothy is survived by her two sons: Don (Cheryl) Kruckeberg Jr., of New London, and Chuck (Mary) Kruckeberg, of Little Chute; her daughter: Robin (BJ) Kruckeberg, of Neenah; 4 grandsons: Paul (Kim) Kruckeberg, Mark (Lena) Kruckeberg, Rob (Ann) Arnold, and Ryan Kruckeberg; 7 great-grandchildren: Madelyn, Carter, and Dane Kruckeberg, Noah and Grace Kruckeberg, Austin and Dylan Arnold; two brothers: Gordon and Marv (Mary) Gerrits; two sisters: Julia Pankratz and Grace Vander Heiden; a sister-in-law: Sis Kruckeberg, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Donald Sr., Dorothy is preceded in death by four sisters: Bernice Kern, Joan Werner, Evelyn Gerrits, and Florence Horn; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Funeral Liturgy for Dorothy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2009 at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald Street, Appleton. Fr. Gerald Falk will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME on Friday, September 4, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again directly at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dorothy's name.

Dorothy's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers in ICU at Appleton Medical Center for all their wonderful care and support. The family would especially like to thank Fr. Falk for all the compassion and prayers he shared with our mother.

“Your dream came true,
independence until the end.”
-love, your family

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, 739-1231