Dorothy Schiefelbein

Dorothy E. Schiefelbein (nee Thessin), age 90, passed from this world into her loving Savior's arms early Tuesday morning, March 18. Dorothy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Clarence and Irene Thessin in 1923. She moved to Madison with her family and graduated from Madison West High School in 1941. She attended the University of Wisconsin and then was employed by Forest Products Laboratory from 1942 to 1944. She enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Tec 3 from 1944 until 1946 when she received an Honorable Discharge. She married William Junior Schiefelbein on September 15, 1951. Together, they had two children, Linda of Madison; and David (Margit) of McFarland. She also has three grandchildren: Hans (Katie), McFarland; Tim (Amy), Madison; and Megan (Jeff) Soceka of Madison; and six great grandchildren: Sorin, Norah, Max, Charlie, Christian, and Emily. She is further survived by a devoted niece, Jane Thessin (Maryland). She was preceded in death by her sister Audrey, her parents, her husband Bill, her brother John Thessin and sister-in-law Lois Thessin.

While Dorothy and Bill were raising their children, Dorothy served as a Girl Scout leader for several years and helped with many Girl Scout activities. She was a member of McFarland Lutheran Church since 1953 and was very active there, having chaired their annual Smorgasbord for many years; she was a member of two circles - Rebecca and Tabitha - and attended many Bible studies there. She placed a high value on education, serving on the McFarland School Board from 1971 until 1977 and supporting her children and grandchildren and their pursuit of higher education.

Dorothy loved to entertain and travel, and she dearly loved her family. She and Bill hosted a family reunion for many, many years and spent hours on the family tree with their daughter Linda. Dorothy made hundreds of cookies for the family business, Badger Medical Supply, every Christmas, and she often gave home-made needlepoint mementos to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her generosity and keen sense of humor. Even at Skaalen, she would utter quips that brought smiles to many - and she was quick with her wit - an endearing quality that will truly be missed.

Memorials can be made to either McFarland Lutheran Church or Skaalen Home.

Dorothy knew her Lord and Savior would one day call her home and we are so grateful that she will be safe in His arms forever.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday March 25, 2014 at Skaalen Home Chapel 400 N. Morris St, Stoughton, Wisc. with Rev. James Koza and Rev. Timothy Dean presiding. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Friends and relatives are invited to gather in the Friendship Room, immediately following the service. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monona.