Del Dockendorff

MADISON - Del Rose M. (Schmitt) Dockendorff passed on to eternal life Thursday, November 23, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin at St. Mary's Hospital on June 11, 1932, the second child of six to her parents Gustav and Lavina Schmitt. She grew up on a farm in Dane, Wisconsin where she graduated from Lodi High School in 1950. After graduation, Del Rose's started her working career in the big city of Madison, WI. Her places of employment were F.W. Woolworth's, RAYOVAC, and the State of Wisconsin - Department of Motor Vehicle. She met the love of her life while employed with the state, Bernard "Bernie" Dockendorff. On June 30, 1962, they were united in marriage at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Dane, Wisconsin.

In 1964, they built a home located in Madison's westside Meadowood neighborhood, and the home would be their lifelong residence together. Del Rose took pride in her home, especially her yard and flower gardens, she spent a good portion of the day outside nurturing all her flowerbeds, plants and having a fine manicured lawn. It was a home where faith, family and friends would gather over the years, and Del Rose loved to entertain. In November of 1963, they welcomed their first and only child, a daughter, Lisa. The family made many memories and would love to travel exploring Wisconsin and the surrounding states. They enjoyed attending Badger, Brewers, Packers and Milwaukee Buck games together. After becoming empty nesters, Del Rose and Bernie loved to be on the go, just get in the car and go.

After fulfilling years as a wonderful homemaker, Del Rose decided to venture back out in the working world. She would be employed by Prange, Manchesters Department Store on the Square, and finally retiring from the Madison Public Library. She enjoyed each employment position she held. She always had complements from her employers and customers about her positive demeanor, hard working ethics and just a great person to be around and work with.

Del Rose was a beautiful daughter, sister, wife, Mother, aunt, and friend. She paid great attention to detail in how she presented herself, always put together. She loved to shop and would later in years meet many friends while out and about in the different malls. Madison Taxi took her to where she wanted to go, you see Del Rose didn't drive.

During the last four years of her wonderful life she took up residence at St. Mary's Care Center, where she was a popular fixture there amongst the residence and staff. She appreciated the great care that was provided to her along being treated just like family. Del Rose enjoyed attending church, reciting the Rosary, Bingo, puzzles, all music, meals in her Olbrich Lane kitchen with her neighbors, other activities, and just being around people. Del Rose was voted Resident of the Month, August 2017, an award she so proudly displayed.

Del Rose found peace with her devout faith something that got her through the good/bad times right up until the end of her life.

Del Rose is survived by her precious daughter and son-in-law Lisa (David) Strub, Madison, WI, and granddog Tuxedo, brother Gregory (Gerri) Schmitt, Lake Delton; sister Lenore (Dale) Ryan, Prairie du Sac, WI; and brother Reverend Kent Schmitt, Monroe, WI; many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband with whom she has joined to live happily ever after; sister Allegra Glimme; brother Du Wayne Schmitt, and granddog Max.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass. A luncheon will be held after the mass in the church hall. Interment will follow the luncheon at Resurrection Cemetery, 2705 Regent Street, Madison, WI.

The family would like to thank St. Mary's Care Center, Madison, WI, the Olbrich Lane Staff along with SSM Health at Home for their kindness and compassion for being her home during the final years of Del Rose's life. Please share a memory.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-3434