Dorothy Jane Buraczewski

Dorothy Buraczewski (nee Berndt), died peacefully on August 6, 2024, in Woodruff, WI at the age of 100. 

Dorothy was born on December 11, 1923 to Gustave and Anna (Garbrecht) Berndt and raised in Markesan, WI along with her older brothers John and Herb. As a farm girl she grew up with a love of all animals but throughout her life goats held a special place in her heart. She met her beloved husband Steve when she was 18 and they were married in 1943. The family they built started with their daughter and three sons but grew to include ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who all endlessly adored her. 

Together she and Steve raised their family in Milwaukee and the northern suburbs. There Dorothy filled a variety of roles including mom, neighbor, and friend. During World War II they both worked at the David White Company and developed a love for the company’s unique 3D camera which was used to document their family and extensive global travels throughout the years. In 1972 she and Steve purchased a share of Scientific Instruments which they co-owned and operated until their retirement in the late 1980s. 

With their retirement to the northwoods came morning coffee on the dock, afternoons on the pontoon boat, and evenings watching the Lake Minocqua sunsets. While spending time on the lake was one of her favorite things to do, you'd also find her hiking the Bearskin trail with friends, bowling in her weekly league, volunteering at the local hospital, fishing with her grandchildren on the dock or challenging anyone who walked through the door to a game of cards. No matter the activity her favorite thing to do was to spend time with the people she loved. 

Dorothy recently shared that she was lucky to have had such a wonderful life, a beautiful family, and terrific friends. She strongly believed that our purpose on earth was to enjoy life and to help one another. Our “Butterball”, Mom, Grandma, GG, Aunt Dorothy, “Dottie”, friend, and neighbor will be remembered as someone who was accepting, kind, curious, and playful, and who brought joy to others each and every day. Her light will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by Steve, her husband of 63 years, parents Anna (Garbrecht) and Gustave Berndt, brothers Herb and John, and in-laws Julia, Edna and Jean and Tony.

She will be eternally missed by her four children Linda (Joe) Mastalski, Mike (Darlene), Jim (Kaela), Tom (Lisa), grandchildren Pam Delfosse (Lea Gerend), Ron (Lois Johnson) Mastalski, Mark (Crystal Fankhauser) Mastalski, Scott (Teagan Brandt), David (Holly), Deanna (Chad) Bolle, Julia (Dan) Jaskie, Taylor (Linette Rizos), Jackson and Joshua, great-grandchildren Alex, Elliot, Allison and Jack, and a host of nieces and nephews, including Jeannine (Gromacki) Laibly who supported her care in recent years. 

A memorial gathering for Dorothy will be held at Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff, WI on Saturday, October 19th at 10:30am with a funeral service at 12:00 noon and luncheon to follow. A private family inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Hazlehurst, WI. 

Dorothy asked that memorials in her name be given to Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, WI, the Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua, WI and the Alzheimer's Association.