Dorothy I. Kahelski

Dorothy Kahelski, age 95, of Beaver Dam, died Friday, July 22, 2011 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam surrounded by her family.

Visitation for Dorothy will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 South Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at church on Wednesday beginning at 11:00 AM. Fr. Michael Erwin will officiate. Burial will be at St. Michael”s Cemetery in the Town of Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wisconsin.

The former Dorothy Irma Gradel was born on March 24, 1916 in Lewistown, Montana to the late John and Leda (Barrington) Gradel. On September 28, 1940, she was united in marriage with Rufe Kahelski at St. Peter”s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Dorothy was an active member of the church throughout her life. She served as sacristan, helped with funeral dinners, helped with many parish festivals and she also worked with her husband as caretakers of St. Michael”s Catholic Church for 25 years; she was a member of both the St. Michael”s Rosary Society and the Mother”s Club, she was a member of N.A.I.M. Pathfinders, and was currently a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. Dorothy also served as a crossing guard for 29 years. She enjoyed various crafts and either donated or gave to family and friends most of what she made.

Survivors include her three sons, Roland Kahelski of Arvada, CO, Leonard Kahelski of Fond du Lac, and Michael Kahelski of Beaver Dam; her two daughters, Mary (Jake) Fiebig of Fond du Lac and Cheryl (Jeff) Westphal of Beaver Dam; 15 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Kahelski of Midlothian, VA; her sister, Rita (David) Kleindl of Beaver Dam; a sister-in-law, Beverly Gradel of Beaver Dam; her former daughter-in-law, Patricia O”Hearn of Fond du Lac; other relatives and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 45 years, Rufe Kahelski; a son, Randall Kahelski; four brothers, Ray Gradel, Harold Gradel, Lt. Col. Russell Gradel, and Robert Gradel; five sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

If desired, memorials may be made in Dorothy Kahelski”s name to Hillside HomeCare/Hospice, 709 South University Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 E. Maple Ave in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, 9:30am – 10:45am, St. Katharine Drexel Spring St. Church-Beaver Dam

Service Details

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, 11:00am, St. Katharine Drexel Spring St. Church-Beaver Dam

Interment Details

St. Michael’s Cemetery-Beaver Dam