Dorothy Spaulding

Biography

Dorothy E. Spaulding (nee Sorensen), age 95, of Wautoma, passed away Wednesday morning, March 9, 2011 at her residence. She was born May 1, 1915 at Eureka, WI., the daughter of Ove and Jenny (Stumpner) Sorensen. She graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1934. She was employed as a clerk at Kresge Dime Store in Oshkosh. In 1937 she married Robert Baxter in Poy Sippi. He preceded her in death. Dorothy worked for a short period of time at Werner's General Store in Poy Sippi before opening a small ice cream business in Wautoma in 1940. She married Raymond Spaulding on May 12, 1945 in Wautoma. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1989. They operated "The Place" on Main Street in Wautoma, a favorite gathering spot for young and old alike. Dorothy was famous for her many flavors of homemade ice cream and Ray for his hand dipped chocolate candies. They closed the store in 1958. She then worked as a cook at the Wautoma Hospital for five years until she retired. Dorothy was active in her community. She was a founding member and past president of Rural Rembrandts Art Club and a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Rural Artist Association, now known as the Wisconsin Regional Artist Association. Both she and Raymond were proudly honored with the John Stewart Curry Medal for outstanding contributions to the advancement of rural art in Wisconsin. Dorothy was also a member and past president of the Friendly Neighbors Homemakers Club and past treasurer of the Waushara County Homemakers. She served as a board member for the Waushara County Republican Women organization and was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church. She served her Church in various capacities including as a Sunday School teacher, lay delegate to the Methodist Conference and served several years as Chairperson and member of the missions committee. She was a volunteer in the art department at the Waushara County Fair for many years. She graciously shared her love of art with others, especially children and several years demonstrated her paintings as a visiting artist in a program sponsored by the Waushara Co. Dept. on Aging and the Wautoma School District. Dorothy was a strong advocate of home and community based care. She served on the State of Wisconsin Long Term Care Committee. She is survived by her two daughters, Lynn (Dennis) Diemel, Oshkosh, and Gail (David) Schwersenska, Wautoma; Grandchildren, Debra (Bob) Johnson, Berlin, Mark Diemel, Oshkosh, and Michael (Heather) Schwersenska, Wautoma; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather, and by one brother, Elmer Stumpner. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist in Wautoma with Rev. George J. Kafer officiating. Burial will at Wautoma Union Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

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