Dorothy Marie (Sola) Walesewicz

HURLEY, Wis. - Dorothy Marie (Sola) Walesewicz, age 88, of Hurley, went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at the Villa Maria Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Dorothy was born to John and Mary (Canalia) Sola on July 13, 1936, in her grandfather's house in Dago Valley in Kimball. She was married to Joseph Walesewicz on Sept. 14, 1957, at St. Mary's Church in Hurley, where she was baptized, received her first communion, confirmed and will be laid to rest. She had a deep connection to her faith through being an active parishioner at St. Jerome's Church in Oconomowoc, and St. Joan of Arc in Okauchee, while living in Oconomowoc. If there was a fundraiser being planned at any of these churches, Dorothy was the first in line to help.

Every day started with a kiss from her husband, asking herself, "who can I help today?" in her favorite chair, and counting her blessings. She would say, "I am truly blessed," many times throughout the day and lived her life in continuous gratitude. Every day would end the way it started, with a kiss from her soulmate and bedtime prayers before falling off to sleep.

They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this past September and had their family with them to celebrate in August at the Iron County Fair, where they received recognition from the Iron County Board of Supervisors for all their work with the Iron County Food Pantry through the years. This was only one of the many accolades that they have received in their lifetime.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Joe; sisters, Angie and Al Van Ert of Delafield, Geri Sola of St. Croix Falls ,; her four children and their spouses, Joe Walesewicz and Patricia of Waupaca, Don Walesewicz and Linda of Oconomowoc, Robert Walesewicz and Kathleen of Carey, and Cari Kelley and Greg Smith of Grand Isle, Vermont; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is predeceased by her father, John Sola; mother, Mary Sola; and brother, John Sola.

Her dedication to her husband, children, grandchildren, Catholic faith, friends, those in need and community was her foundation. Joe and Dorothy were involved in many different community projects throughout their entire life together, but her passion became the Iron County Food Pantry, Kimball Town Park and the Iron County Memorial Building.

She served on the Town of Kimball Park and Recreation Committee for many years. This past May, the staff at the Iron County Food Pantry named the upper floor of what affectionally was referred to by Dorothy as the "Treasure Room" to "Dorothy's Treasure Room" to honor her dedication to the community.

The Kimball Town Park was land donated to the town by her parents, John and Mary Sola. Dorothy felt strongly that it be maintained. Projects included the walking trails, playground equipment, handicap accessible facilities and bridge repair. She desired to have a place for all to enjoy.

She also felt strongly that the Iron County Memorial Building be saved and offered to the public for use. She, along with many other concerned citizens, asked that the county reconsider closing the building and allow for a fundraising campaign to keep the building open. This building is being used by many for events such as weddings, birthday parties, classes and much more.

The most important work in her life was as a wife and mother, but she realized that she loved talking with people and started working as a salesperson for Stanley Home Products, which she did out of the home for many years when her children were young. She then worked at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital for 20 years before retiring and moving back home to Hurley. There she worked for the Iron County Aging Unit and was known for her festive nature when decorating the Iron County Senior Center for every holiday or time of year, sitting at the piano and entertaining guests who came to enjoy lunch and conversation and then partake in the meal, which became an important daily part of her life.

Dorothy started to play accordion at the age of 10 and came to learn hundreds of songs with her talent to play by ear. She started by playing alongside her father, who was a talented guitarist and could light up a mean harmonica. Her life revolved around music and playing music with her husband, Joe, and son, Robert, and so many others who would join the family band on occasion.

The family wants to thank the incredible staff at Villa Maria for their care of mom over the past 15 months. You have no idea of the peace that you gave and continue to give with the care of dad, to our family. You are all angels on earth.

A special thanks is offered to Nurse Practitioner Michelle Harma for her care over the years and Debbie Brown for in-home care before moving to Villa Maria, and to everyone at the Iron County Food Pantry, Dorothy's Treasure Room and Iron County Aging Unit for embracing mom's passions and ideas and allowing them to flourish. Each and every one of you hold a special place in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8, with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. with Fr. Raj Sunkura officiating. Followed by the burial at St. Mary's Cemetery and a lunch will follow at the Iron County Memorial Building.

Dorothy's accordion has been silenced but will never be forgotten.

Donations may be directed to the Iron County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 7, Montreal, WI 54550.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Dorothy's legacy of life. To make an online condolence visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.