Dorothy Louise Ferch

Dorothy Louise Ferch, age 89, formerly of Brandon, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2010, at Grancare Nursing Home in Fond du Lac.

Dorothy was born on August 11, 1921 in the Town of Springvale, Fond du Lac County, WI, a daughter of Jacob and Susie (Tjepkema) Wallendal. On September 25, 1943 she married Harris Ferch in Brandon. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and great-grandmother dedicated to her family’s needs. She kept a large garden every year, sharing the produce with family and friends. Dorothy enjoyed working in the outdoors, and was immaculate with her lawn and garden upkeep. She owned and operated the Ferch Greenhouse in Brandon for many years. Dorothy also mended and sewed clothing for her family and others. Needlepoint and woodworking was another pastime, and she created many treasured gifts. Dorothy gave of her time generously to assist others and her family. As a 4 – H volunteer, she was a clothing leader and judge for many years in the Brandon and Ladoga areas. Dorothy supported her husband’s love and passion of antique tractors. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Brandon.

Dorothy is survived by Harris, her husband of sixty-seven years; two daughters, Shirley (Andy) Wahl, Brandon; Betty (Jim) Voskuil, Waupun; her son, Robert (Sandy) Ferch, Brandon; six grandchildren, Dale Voskuil, Pickett; Judy (Chris) Schouten, Brandon; Patty (Ryan) Gustavus, Fond du Lac; Mike (Amy) Wahl, Marytown; Paul (Pam) Ferch, and Dan (Ann) Ferch; eight great-grandchildren, Allyssa and Kayla Schouten; Austin and Landen Ferch; Colten and Lincoln Gustavus; and Lillian and Madelyn Wahl; her sister, Marion Dahms, Fond du Lac; her brother, Robert (Marion) Wallendal, Waupun; both of Brandon; her sister-in-law, Dorraine Wallendal, Waupun, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donald Wallendal; and her brother-in-law, Richard Dahms.

A service to celebrate Dorothy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at Brandon United Methodist Church, 107 East Washington Street, Brandon. A Private family burial will be in Wedges Prairie Cemetery.

Dorothy’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun; and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial Fund has been established in Dorothy’s name.

The family extends sincere thanks to the compassionate nurses and staff of Grancare for the wonderful care provided to Dorothy during the past four years.