Dorothy A Kahle

Dorothy A. Kahle, 91, of Road Lake Road, Tomahawk, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at Country Terrace in Tomahawk. Dorothy was born February 11, 1930 in Merrill, Wisconsin to Arthur and Nina (Allen) Hilgendorf. Dorothy lived her entire life in the Tomahawk area and was married to Joseph A. Kahle on July 7, 1951 at St. Paul’s Church in Irma. Dorothy graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1947. She then attended UW LaCrosse for three and a half years where she majored in Physical Education. She was employed in the Tomahawk School district as a teacher’s aide for over 20 plus years and one of the joys of her teaching career was working with special needs children. She also enjoyed bowling (sporting some pretty wonderful homemade Halloween costumes), golfing (winning many tournaments & trophies) and dancing for charity with her friends to “By The Light Of The Silvery Moon.” She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan attending many games with family and friends. She was proud to be a season ticket holder since 1965. Above all, family was her first and primary joy. Even if you were not an official relative, in her midst, you’d feel a part of her family. Dorothy had an ability to make everyone feel special but it was her devoted husband, Joe, who store her heart. Many looked to Joe and Dorothy as the model couple and their loved and commitment to each other was recently celebrated at their 70th wedding anniversary. Dorothy was the ideal grandmother. She will be remembered by her family as patient, kind, loving, selfless and welcoming. She looked forward to summers when the pool was ready and all the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids came home to enjoy her fun-loving company in the North Woods. Combining her creativity and generosity, she spent many hours knitting, quilting and crafting, and playing cards with family. She knitted beautiful, personalized Christmas stockings for all her children, grandchildren, some nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren till she couldn’t do it anymore! Dorothy was baptized on November 8th, 1930 and celebrated her confirmation on May 22, 1945 both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irma. She was a faithful servant of God and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. In her younger years, she actively participated in nearly every facet of church life, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, and supporting many other missions of the church, focusing above all else on the love of God. Survivors include her husband - Joe; Children - Dana (Myra) Kahle of Union Grove, WI, Pam (Mark) Czerwinski of Kronenwetter, WI, Kim (Michael) McDavit of Arlington, VA & Kay (Jeff) Olson of Tomahawk; and a daughter-in-law - Polly Kahle of Tomahawk. She is further survived by 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and sibling - Stanley Hilgendorf of Lake Geneva, Kyrle (Arnie) Hilgendorf of Irma & Jo Carol (James) Moede of Lake Geneva. Dorothy also leaves behind five sisters-in-law - Phyllis Evans, Ginny (Gene) Swan, Mary (Joe) Zahringer, Rita Hilgendorf, all of Tomahawk, and Mary Hilgendorf of Marathon, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son - Todd, and siblings – Arthur (Genie) Hilgendorf, Caroline (Al) Faria, Lloyd Hilgendorf, Darwin Hilgendorf, Tyrus (Bobbie) Hilgendorf, and Robert Hilgendorf; her brother-in-law – Donald (Rosann) Kahle; and sisters-in-law - Elsie (Irvin)Bartz and Diane Hilgendorf. The Funeral Service for Dorothy Kahle will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Pastor Mark Gass will officiate. The family will receive friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church Wednesday morning from 9:00AM until the time of service at 11:00AM. Memorials would be appreciated to the Tomahawk School District Special Education Fund (Code27) to address the special needs community. 1048 E. King Road, Tomahawk, WI 54487 Krueger Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at kruegerfamilyfuneral.com