Dorothy L. Konichek, 100, passed from this world to her heavenly home on December 29, 2023 at Prairie Maison, Prairie du Chien, WI. Dorothy was born in Savanna, IL on July 28, 1923 the middle of 5 siblings. Shortly after, the family moved to Kenosha, WI. In 1930, when Dorothy was 7 years old, the family moved to Bagley, WI living with her paternal grandparents, George Washington Clark and Martha Ann (Elder) Clark.
In September 1939 Dorothy was walking with a girlfriend when a handsome young man was sitting in his car. An audible voice spoke to her, “There is your husband”. She and that young man, Leo Konichek, were married on June 4, 1940. From that union 5 children were born which grew to a family of 98. Her family meant everything to her and she loved them all so deeply. The couple resided in Prairie du Chien. They built a house together with Leo’s uncle, on S. Minnesota Street in 1948 where Dorothy lived until 1995.
Dorothy found peace in her life on February 11, 1972 when she gave her life to Christ and became born-again. Her desire as a child was to become a teacher or a nurse and throughout her life she did both. She was active as a Den Mother and Girl Scout leader, taught Sunday School and worked with the disabled. She cared for many elderly and was always available with a listening ear. She always made time for her 17 grandchildren. She could yodel and would greet each day with a song.
Dorothy held many jobs including Harvey’s Steak House, National Decorated Metal, and Campion High School.
Her hands were always busy crocheting countless afghans, embroidering kitchen towels, quilting, playing cards, doing puzzles, compiling the family genealogy, making homemade bread, noodles and potato dumplings, and canning all the vegetables grown in Leo’s garden.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters; Carolyn (Clarence) Bierman, Mt. Horeb, WI and Mary (Greg) Mandigo, Alma Center, WI, her sons; Floyd (Sue) Konichek, Prairie du Chien, WI and Paul (Judy) Konichek, Dripping Springs, TX; son-in-law Steven Metzger, Garber, IA, her 17 grandchildren; Leah, Bruce, Becky, Renee, Kristi, Kari, Peggy, Debbie, Mark, David, Amy, Alissa, Aaron, Greg, Sarah, Megan, Molly, 38 great-grand children, and 14 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Leo; daughter, Donna Metzger; infant granddaughter, Luanne; grand son-in-law, Terry Peacock, siblings Helen Devlin, Floyd Clark, Eloise Atchison, and David Eugene Clark.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. 2024 at Faith Community Church, 1110 E. Cass Street, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Burial will be after the service at the Evergreen Cemetery, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin followed by lunch at the church.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with services.