God called another angel home. Dorothy J. (Zirbel) Nelson, 79 years old, was called home by her heavenly Father on Saturday, May 19, 2012. A lifelong residence of Kenosha, Dorothy died at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home. She died due to complications from a fall. Dorothy was the ninth of ten children born to Theodore and Rose (Steffen) Zirbel on October 26, 1932. She grew up on a farm in Bristol, Wisconsin, where her and her siblings helped with chores, rode horses, drove the tractor and played baseball. Dorothy was a pitcher on the baseball team. In 1950, Dorothy graduated from Wilmot High School. Dorothy met Robert Nelson at a bowling alley and on August 9, 1952, at St. Benedicts Church in Benet Lake, Wisconsin, they married. Together they had four children, Rozanne, Robert, Patricia, and Laura. Dorothy worked part-time as a secretary at Zirbel Electric and made a home for her family. She enjoyed baking, reading, playing cards, gardening, and bowling. When her children were little she taught catechism for St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Dorothy owned Clay’s Tap from 1986 to 1996. She worked at Snap-On Tools as a Claims Processor from 1984 until she retired in 1994. During retirement Dorothy volunteered, played golf, bowled, worked out at the YMCA, and took care of her ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed going to lunch with the Snap-On Group and her friends in the Red Hat Club. Dorothy will be missed by her partner of 20 years, Dean Schultz. Her children: Rozanne (Jacob) Drissel, Robert (Debra) Nelson, Patricia (James) Lallaman, and Laura (Scott Stover) Nelson. Her grandchildren: Jamie Drissel, Jacob (Ashley Heiselmann) Drissel, Robert Nelson II, Cierra (Eddie Johnson) Nelson, James Post, Jessica Barthule, Michael Lallaman, Maria (Jon Carlson) Lallaman, Jimmy Lallaman, Deontaye Nehls, Danielle (Jose Tellez) Nehls, Dakota Nehls, Zachary Stover, and Katelyn Stover. Her great-grandchildren: Jaiden Drissel, Myles Johnson, Damon Johnson, Analicia Tellez, and Noah Tellez. Her siblings: Mildred Jackley, Helen Miller, Warren (Nancy) Zirbel, William Zirbel, and Larry (Greta) Zirbel and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Waiting to greet Dorothy in heaven are her parents, her husbands, Robert Nelson, November 9, 1983, and Francis Arms, June 22, 1991, her brothers, Wesley Zirbel, November 11, 2002, Walter Zirbel, June 15, 1995, Leonard Zirbel, September 24, 1986, Lester Zirbel, November 17, 1978, and her sister, June (Zirbel) Macik, February 19, 1970. Viewing will be held at Proko’s Funeral Home, 5111-60th Street, on Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Funeral services will be held at Proko’s Funeral Home on Friday, May 25, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Tom Armitage officiates. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. Thank you to everyone who touched Dorothy’s life. Even the smallest gesture meant the world to her.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Dorothy’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
cheri austin
May 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rose and Laura and all your families.
Ulrich and Janet Thrams
May 24, 2012
My sympathy to Dean and Dorothy's family. I met Dorothy at Snap-on Tools and became good friends. After she retired I ended up doing the job she had processing insurance claims.She was a wonderful person that would do anything for anyone....I remember how proud she was of her family and of course her companion Dean. She loved her golfing....She will be sadly missed by family and friends...
Gordon and Anne Thompson
May 24, 2012
Our sympathy to Dean, and all of Dorothy's family. Dorothy brought happiness to many people, and will be greatly missed.
Donna Frownfelter
May 23, 2012
Dear Laura and PattyMy heart goes out to you. I know how hard it is to lose a wonderful mother. You have always had such positive things to say about your mom, how she was a support and a giving person. May God give you peace and strength as you go through the next few days and may you find happiness in the wonderful memories and fun stories you will share in these next days. May you be filled with good memories and let that take over the grief and loss you feel now. Donna Frownfelter
Mary &John Shear
May 23, 2012
Thank you Dorothy for bringing us into your home and treating us like family.We will miss you at the holidays and always.You raised some pretty amazing kids and wonderful grandchildren.Love you.
M. Cash
May 23, 2012
Heartfelt condolences.
yvonne williams
May 22, 2012
I am with you always,Never have a fear,When you feel the most alone,Remember I am here.I have cried as you have cried,Many times before,I have had a broken heart,Yes, and so much more.I have known betrayal,Of the cruelest kind,So sweep away the bitterness,And put it from your mind.And let us walk together,Through the twilights glow,For I have felt as you do now,Dear child, I know ... I know.I am with you always,You are not alone,My love for you is endless,Because you are My own.And through your darkest hours,You will find Me near,Nor will your crosses ever be,...Too great for you to bear. I am with you always,Never have a fear,When you feel the most alone,Remember I am here.I have cried as you have cried,Many times before,I have had a broken heart,Yes, and so much more.I have known betrayal,Of the cruelest kind,So sweep away the bitterness,And put it from your mind.And let us walk together,Through the twilights glow,For I have felt as you do now,Dear child, I know ... I know.I am with you always,You are not alone,My love for you is endless,Because you are My own.And through your darkest hours,You will find Me near,Nor will your crosses ever be,...Too great for you to bear.