Dorothy Jean Kruschke

Dorothy Jean Kruschke, 99, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on September 1, 2026.

She was born in Prairie Farm, WI on March 29, 1927, to Kristian and Emma Sather.

Dorothy was married to Paul Thomas Kruschke on December 28, 1946; they were happily married for 42 years.

She graduated from Prairie Farm High School and continued study at Eau Claire Vocational School in clerical work. She worked as a typist for Uniroyal, was a dedicated homemaker, and enjoyed working in retail at Pranges and Younkers for 21 years until her retirement in 1992.

Dorothy loved to sew and quilt, spend ample time in her flower garden, bake everything to perfection, shop til she dropped, do crosswords, cheer for the Packers, attend the theater, and spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Loving to travel, Dorothy visited Hawaii, Norway, Mexico, & all over the USA. She was full of love and commentary! She loved her family above all else.

She was an avid church-goer her entire life, actively attending Plymouth United Church of Christ when from her marriage until her death. At Plymouth UCC, Dorothy was actively involved in the quilting group, making hundreds of quilts for the homeless for over 33 years. In 2023, she received an award from the governor for being the longest serving member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, for her many years of service.

Dorothy is survived by four of her children: Reenie (Paul) Berge, Karl (Mary) Kruschke, Kay (Kevin) Bussing, and Laurie Sather; her grandchildren: Rianna (Greg) Voss, Darren Kruschke, Jesse Kruschke, Sarah (Rick) Thearin, Matthew (Niki) Kruschke, Marissa Walczak, Emily Martin, Nick Martin, and Ben Karcz; eight great-grandchildren, and other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Kruschke, two of her children: Thomas (Arvilla) Kruschke and Linda Kruschke; siblings: Ivan, Marion, Ella, Helen, LaVerne, Newton, and Robert; and her parents.

A Celebration of Dorothy's Life will be held at 12:00 pm on September 19, 2026, at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Eau Claire, WI. Pastor Les Munnik will officiate. Luncheon will be served after the service, and burial will follow the funeral at Lakeview Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

All monetary gifts will be donated to the Plymouth UCC quilting group.

The Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.