Dorothy Kathleen Giesen, age 102 of Appleton Wisconsin was called home to eternal life on July 31, 2026, just 20 days short of her 103 birthday. She was born on August 20, 1923, in Appleton, WI to the late Frank A. and Cecilia M. (Amend) Engel. Dorothy was valedictorian of the graduating class of St Mary’s High School, Menasha class of 1941. It was in high school that she met Norbert R. Giesen, while being a cheerleader for the football team. Norb said she had nice looking legs.

World War II came and Norbert enlisted in the Navy. His ship was ordered home for a re-fit and while on leave he married Dorothy on May 19, 1945. They celebrated 67 years of marriage. When Norbert’s service was completed, the couple moved to Appleton. Three years later, they built their lifetime home in Menasha where they raised 6 children.

She was a lifetime member of St Mary’s Catholic Church. Dorothy enjoyed sewing, making her children’s clothing, baking, canning, gardening and attending classes and seminars. She loved going up North to their cabin in Mountain, WI that they built in 1966. At the cabin, she enjoyed snowmobiling and bird watching. In retirement, Dorothy and Norb traveled in their RV all over the USA including Alaska as well as spending winters in Alamo, TX.

Dorothy always had a smile on her face, and her positive energy was a gift to us all. M&M’s were her favorite treat, and getting some was always a big deal (although before the M&M fix took hold she was all about the Bran muffin!) Dorothy loved to play cards, bowling and golfing, and especially enjoyed time spent with her “yakkity yak club” (aka card club). She had a deep faith in God and a kind heart. She was a natural caregiver.

Dorothy is survived her children: Janet (Jeff) Tellock, Robert (Catherine) Giesen, Patricia Eckrich, William (Mona) Giesen, Thomas (Sonja) Giesen; 11grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norbert, her daughter Mary Ann (Fran) Gagnon, her parents, brothers George Engel, John (Dorothy) Engel, and Gerald (Lucille) Engel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday August 25, 2026, at 11:00am, at St Patrick Catholic Community, 324 Nicolet Blvd, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until mass begins. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to Norbert at St Mary’s Cemetery, Menasha.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Silverstone Memory Care and Moments Hospice for all the wonderful care given to Dorothy during her stay the last four years.