Dolores Kaye (Klemme) Spindler, age 90, of Menasha, formerly of Brillion and Sheboygan, entered into the loving arms of Jesus on May 12, 2026, surrounded by her family after experiencing cardiac complications.

Dolores was born on December 12, 1935, in Sheboygan, to Reinhold Klemme and Roma Raetter (née Richter Klemme). She attended Schwarzwald School and graduated from Kiel High School. Dolores grew up near Ada, where her parents owned and operated the Pine Grove Tavern and Bowling Alley.

She met the love of her life while working at the Pine Grove Tavern. Dolores and Earl spent countless hours working together at Pine Grove, where he worked as a pinsetter and she worked as a cook. On June 18, 1955, she married Earl H. Spindler at St. John's Evangelical & Reformed Church in Sheboygan, WI.

Earl and Dolores owned and operated Spindler Furniture in Brillion for 20 years. During that time, Dolores balanced working in the store with raising their six children. Throughout those years, Earl and Dolores enjoyed many travel opportunities together, visiting Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bahamas, Santa Domingo, Monte Carlo, Spain, Can Cun, New York, North Carolina, Arizona and many other places. They also cherished the time they spent together at their cabin on Kelly Lake.

Later in life, Dolores returned to Lakeshore Technical College to take childcare classes. She went on to work for several years as a childcare teacher. Dolores loved working with children and truly adored the many children she cared for throughout the years.

Dolores and Earl were active members of their church and enjoyed participating in many card clubs with family and friends. They also shared a love for polka dancing, which brought them much joy throughout the years.

Dolores loved to cook and bake for her family. She was an avid reader and kept lists of the books she had read over the years. Above all, she devoted many years to providing love, support, and encouragement to her family. Family was the most important part of her life.

Dolores was preceded in death by her mother, Roma (Klemme) Raetter; her father, Reinhold Klemme; her stepfather, Howard Raetter; her sister, Donna (Gries) Bersch; and her brother-in[1]law, Michael Bersch.

Dolores is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Earl H. Spindler. She will be greatly missed by her six children: Lesa (Gary) Lamers of Appleton; Debbie (John) Franciosi of Appleton; Tammy LeFevre of Appleton; Jeff (Colleen) Spindler of Waupaca; Kevin (Jill) Spindler of Grand Chute; and Jamie (Elizabeth) Spindler of Brookfield.

She is further survived by 19 grandchildren: Melissa (Brian) Butler; Benjamin (Megan) Vadnais, Miranda (James) Seghers; Melanie (Chris) Shales; Rachel (Zak) Olsen; Nicholas (Marjan Ameri) Le Fevre; Rebecca (Adam) Pashouwer; Tony (Brittany) Franciosi; Michael (Stephanie) Mullins; Amber LeFevre; Jessica (Jon) Dix; David (Stephanie O’Connor)Mullins; Caylee (Steve) Vidas; Joseph (Amber) LeFevre, Nelson Spindler, Jacob (Brianna) Spindler; Henry Spindler; Xanthe Spindler; Desilu Spindler.

Dolores is further survived by 27 great grandchildren: Ryleigh Seghers; Bella Dix; Winter Vadnais; Taron Seghers; Korssette Dix; Luke Butler; Zayde Rzentkowski; Charlie Olsen; Brooklyn Shales; Ashley Butler; Jack Franciosi; Sophia Olsen; Zoey Rzentkowski; Ethan Shales;Luca Franciosi; Archer LeFevre; Levi Vidas; Wrenley Brennan; Lincoln Olsen; Jonah Neuens; Juliet Dix; Sofia Franciosi; Hattie Spindler; Cassian Mullins-O’Connor; Jonas Spindler; Kian LeFevre, Harrison Mullins.

A first funeral visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI with a short prayer service to follow at 7:00 p.m. A second funeral visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin St, Appleton, WI with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Dolores will be laid to rest at Bethel Church Cemetery on Pigeon River Road in Cleveland, WI. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for various organizations Dolores was passionate about.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Lauel, Holly, and Heather from Unity Hospice for their compassionate and excellent care with our mother and their continued understanding and support for our family. We also appreciate Pastor Kris Androsky of First United Methodist Church in Appleton for being present at the most crucial moments of Mom’s journey. Additionally, thank you to her primary care provider, Dr. Shanthi Joseph for her medical care.