Dorothy Raetz

Dorothy Louise (Wittig) Raetz, also lovingly remembered as Dorothy Raetz Kunze, entered this world on November 2, 1935, and peacefully returned to her Lord on August 13, 2024. She was  88 years old.

A child of Minneapolis, MN, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of Richard Edward Wittig and Ester Emma Mathilda (Langfield) Wittig. She was reunited in heaven with her parents, as well as her siblings-Peter Wittig, Richard Wittig (infant), and Judy Wittig-and her husbands, Robert Charles Raetz (d. 1981) and Joseph Kunze (d. 2002).

Dorothy married Robert Charles Raetz on February 23, 1957. In a house they built in 1967 in Arden Hills, MN, they raised four children: Thomas Raetz (Pat), Catherine Weiss (Michael), Joanne Stuttgen (Mark), and Sharon Pike (Bryan).

After being widowed, Dorothy found love once again and married her second husband, Joseph "Joe" Kunze. Together they shared many joyful and adventure-filled years exploring the world and spending time with their combined families.

After Joe's passing, Dorothy relished her life of independence. She did what she wanted, traveled where she wanted, and fully lived the life she wanted.

Dorothy was a friend indeed. She remained in contact with grade school classmates and organized a reunion in her 80s that brought her great joy. For nearly 70 years she participated in round robin letters with college chums. All other friendships, both old and new, were nurtured by her openness, wit, generosity and spirit.

She was an accomplished seamstress who brought warmth and beauty into the lives of others through her handmade clothing, doll clothes, and household items. Additionally, Dorothy was an intellect, a student of Scripture and theology respected by her peers. She shared this gift by teaching Bible study and other courses using material she wrote and published. Dorothy was a woman of deep faith committed to "act justly, love tenderly, and follow in the footsteps of her Lord."

Dorothy's legacy is carried forward by her grandchildren-Lisa Raetz (Bill Severud), Anne Greenway (Cory), Peter Stuttgen (Haley Molchan), Madeline Pike (Tom Dill), and Robb Pike (Kylie Lange)-and her great-grandchildren, Charlie Severud and Ivy, and Jett Greenway.

Dorothy's ashes have been interred in the common columbarium at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, MN.

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