Dorothy Willman
APPLETON, Wis. — After 89 years our beloved mother and grandmother, Dorothy Elizabeth Willman, was called to glory on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Appleton Medical Center.
Dorothy was born on April 8, 1919, in Iron Mountain, to the late Thomas and Dorothea (Peters) Berdinner.
She married Phillip Arnold Willman on June 12, 1947. He preceded her in death on June 13, 1995.
In 1952, Phillip and Dorothy moved to Northern Illinois, retiring to Iron Mountain in 1978. There she spent the rest of her life enjoying the peacefulness of her home on Bass Lake. In earlier days, Dorothy was a beautician. She was a talented seamstress and loved to crochet and knit. Dorothy loved to swim, bake and spend time with her family. Her generosity extended beyond her family; she donated her time and talents to her church and her community.
Survivors include her children, Brian (Jennice) Willman and their sons, Nicholas, Michael and Jonathan of Appleton, Bruce (Nancy) Willman, and their sons, Joseph and Daniel of Kenosha, Wis. and Warren Willman of New York, and his son, Adam of New York and his daughter, Rebecca of Florida. She is further survived by her wonderful sister, Betty Elaine “Aunt Sis” and her sister-in-law, Mardell Berdinner.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas William Berdinner “Uncle Buzz” and her brother, Bobby Berdinner.
Private funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Felch with Pastor Bill Jacobson officiating.
Interment will be in City Cemetery in Iron Mountain.
The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the special team on the Third Floor at Appleton Medical Center and ThedaCare at Home Hospice. You held our hands as we held Mom’s hands at this difficult time. God’s Blessing to you all. In her passing Dorothy’s family promises to listen to her instructions that we never forget to laugh. We want to thank you for being a kind and generous and loving mother. Through her actions, we were shown great love and our biggest biggest hope is that she felt our tremendous love for her in return. In her everyday actions, she was always a reflection of God’s love. As she always sang to us as we departed ways, we now sing to you Mom. “Happy trails to you... until we meet again.”
Never good bye, but instead, so long and one more hug.
The nearest thing to the love of God is the love of a mother’s heart. Thank you Mom…we love you.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wichmannfargo.com
The Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton, Wis. 54911, 920-739-1231.
