Dorothy L. Stoltenberg, 88 years old, loving mother, sister, “best nana ever,” lifelong friend of so many, passed away on Sept. 5, 2011. She was surrounded by her family and friends and cared for by Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.
“Nana” was a gift, a powerful influence on the lives of so many, especially her family.
Dorothy was born in King, WI on Dec. 2, 1922 in Waupaca to Norman and Delia Larson. She met James Stoltenberg on July 4, 1944. The fireworks between them turned into a love of a lifetime. They married on Nov. 17, 1944. They had three daughters, Suzanne, Janie, and Sara. Suzanne and Janie preceded their mother and father in death. James died Nov. 2, 2005.
Dorothy was a great partner for Jim – she was a natural social “gatherer” and connector. They cherished their many friends and traveled the world together. When they retired to Sunset Farm in New Hope in 1985, they shared a wonderful retirement journey with many special family and friend gatherings. She was a woman of strong faith and a rock throughout many life challenges.
She is survived by her daughter Sara Mahoney (Dave) Terry; grandson, Patrick Mahoney; step granddaughters, Deanna and Rachel Terry; grandson, Jim (Venus) Prince; great granddaughter, Aya Prince; granddaughters, Eliza (Kobi), Prince Atias and Jennifer (Scott) Bakkala; sister, Edie Larson Hoyer; son in laws, Bob Prince, Bill Morris, and Phil Mahoney; and many cherished family and friends.
Dorothy was a registered nurse, a dedicated volunteer, a PEO sister, and active in various church groups. She was an inspirational presence and a wonderful wife, mother, nana, mentor, sister, friend.
Memorial services will be held at Park Ridge Community Church in Park Ridge, IL on Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. and North New Hope Church in Amherst Jct, WI on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be sent to North New Hope Church at PO Box 6 Rosholt, WI. 54473.
The family extends their thanks to all those who have loved our very special Nana.