Dorothy Elaine Schreiner passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, just two days after celebrating her 98th birthday with friends and family. Dorothy’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, hard work, and devotion to those she held dear.
Dorothy was born on December 5, 1926, in Honey Creek, Wisconsin. She was delivered at home by her father, Nelson Sprecher, because always in a hurry, she "couldn’t wait for the doctor." The third of eight children born to Nelson and Marjorie (Tooley) Sprecher, Dorothy grew up in a hardworking farm family where mornings began with milking cows before heading to school. Despite her busy life, she excelled academically, proudly graduating from Prairie du Sac High School in 1944.
Dorothy’s serving personality and love for life led her to work at Lou’s Café, her sister’s restaurant in Sauk. It was there she met the love of her life, Julius Schreiner. They married on August 1, 1951, in the Little Brown Church in Elkader, Iowa, and shared 54 wonderful years together.
The couple settled in the Baraboo area to start their family. Dorothy and Julius raised five children—Jeffrey, Jennifer (Tom), Nola, Lisa (Michael), and Bradley (Tammy)—and created a home filled with love, laughter, and the smell of homemade meals. Dorothy’s life revolved around her loved ones, and she found immense joy in cooking family dinners, baking treats, and playing cards. Her 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and her humor and warmth left an indelible mark on all of them.
Dorothy’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted Christian, she was an active member of Emmanuel Church of Baraboo, where she served in countless ways—as a Sunday school teacher, a vacation Bible school leader and a dedicated worker in the church kitchen. She also contributed to the Sauk County 4-H while her children were young, passing on her values of hard work and community spirit.
Dorothy’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and humor. She had a sharp wit and a kind heart, always finding joy in the simple things, like a family gathering or a good game of cards.
Dorothy is survived by her five children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, along with her sisters-in-law, Jayne Sprecher and Carol Ann Sprecher. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Nelson and Marjorie; and her siblings, Donald, Louella, Eldred, Russell, Caroll, Arlene, and Ralph.
Rest in peace, Dorothy. You have earned your place in God’s eternal embrace.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Emanuel Church of Baraboo with Pastor Ron Bupp officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be made to UMCOR and Samaritan's Purse or to the Emmanuel Church of Baraboo.
Michael Paris December 10, 2024
Friend Lino Lakes , Minnesota
Your comments about Dorothy's wit resonated with me. She was an amazing lady. I remember spending many weekends at the house when Jeff had rheumatic fever. I always looked forward to seeing her at the Christmas service at Emanuel when we would come back at Christmas to visit. My prayers and blessings go out to all of you.
Kevin and Rosie Krueger December 11, 2024
Neighbors Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
We built the house across the street when they lived on Amey Drive. It was such a comfort to have your mom and dad when Brian came home from school when we were both still working. Loved the stories your mom shared. She was a wonderful person.
Ken Pierce December 12, 2024
Mothers cousin Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dorothy - What a wonderful lady. Her door was open and everyone was welcome. Could usually smell something great coming from the kitchen. She was my mothers favorite person bar none. Thinking of those two make me wonder what they are up to right now.
Jan Reuter December 22, 2024
neighbor, Reedsburg , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. What great memories sure do have