Dolores Rose Sklener
Encompassed by light and love, Dolores Rose Sklener, 88, of Campbellsport, WI released her spirit on Friday Oct. 16, 2015 at Grancare Nursing Home in Fond du Lac. It was time to meet her Creator and to reunite with her beloved husband, Don, and her beautiful daughter, Debra (Floeter). Both preceded her on this eternal journey within one month of each other in 2010.
Firstborn child of Cornelius Corney P. Schill and Rose (Neumeyer) Schill, born on July 11, 1927 in the idyllic town of Ashford, WI. It was a pure and simple life of family and close knit townspeople. Life revolved around St Martins Church on the Hill. A bright and resourceful Dolores had the honor to attend St. Mary Springs Academy and boarding school. However, after only one year, she was recruited home into her fathers growing car dealership. Utilizing her inherent math and literary skills, she was a natural to fill the needed position of bookkeeper/secretary. At the time, 1942, it was noble to be needed in the family business. Thus, Dolores entered the workforce at the innocent age of 15, working first at the Ashford Service Garage where her father sold Hudson, Essex and Chevrolets. In 1947 Corney moved his family to Campbellsport where he had built a new house and new garage and dealership which sold and serviced Chevrolets and Buicks. Dolores continued working to gether with brothers, Gordon and Gerry and sister-in-law Georgene and other extended family members. For over 50 years she was one of the smiling faces behind the counter at Schill Motor Inc. She eventually acquired her car dealership license and was proud to be one of the first female car dealers in the State of Wisconsin.
Dolores was married to Donald Sklener Feb. 2, 1951. She then became an important component in another well-established business in Campbellsport. Donalds step-father, George Bauer and mother, Gertrude (Sklener) Bauer, owned and operated the Bauer Hotel and Restaurant. A natural socialite, now Dolores life was full of family, friends and excitement!!
Dolores and Don had two daughters, Debra and Dawn, born in 1952 and 1954 respectively. They were the 4 Ds
as she signed her Xmas cards! She was a supportive and involved woman. Her roles as daughter, wife, mother/grandmother, sister, aunt, homemaker and business woman kept her fulfilled and active throughout her lifetime. She was always busy, busy, busy. Her talents were many. Acquiring her mothers skill in creative arts, she became an avid crocheter and leaves behind an array of beautiful afghans that will warm generations to come! Butterflies and flowers were collected and pressed into beautiful art pieces which she displayed and sold at local craft shows. Her flowerbeds were ablaze with color and her many birdfeeders always filled. She loved beauty and nature and the godliness found within.
Dolores was a true Christian and an active member of St. Matthews Parish in Campbellsport for 68 years. She was a member of the Christian Women and parishioners knew her as the cherry tree lady for the many hours spent making cherries for the game at the annual festival. In later years she volunteered in the church office, utilizing her lifelong skills.
Dolores was an admirer of art, music, drama, and wildlife. She visited many museums, botanical gardens, national parks, and zoos. She embraced literature and was always an avid reader. After retirement, Don and Dolores enjoyed hiking in the Kettle Moraine and taking scenic rides to the casinos in Northern Wisconsin. There were family gatherings, many Sundays devoted to watching the Packers or Brewers followed by banquets and barbeques. She relished it all.
Her last years were spent between Wisconsin and California with her daughter and family. The days were filled with new adventures. Here her quest for sunshine, warmth, and security were fulfilled. Though she loved California, Campbellsport remained her true home.
Dolores is survived her daughter Dawn (James) Feeney of Thousand Oaks, CA, her son-in-law Howard Floeter of Fond du Lac, her grandson Orion (Lana) Feeney of Northridge, CA, granddaughters Zara Feeney of Laguna, CA and Genasis Floeter (Anthony) Phillips of Campbellsport, her great grandson Russell Williams of Campbellsport. She is also survived by 2 brothers Gordon (Georgene) Schill and Gerald (Mary) Schill all residing in Campbellsport, one sister Marjorie (Donald) Miller of Camano Island, WA, and further survived by nieces and nephews: Tim (Molly) Schill of Campbellsport, Tom (Julie) Schill of Fond du Lac, Todd Schill of Fond du Lac, Troy (Lottie) Schill of Campbellsport, Theresa (Chris) Lewsador of Olive Branch, MS, Don (Kelly) Miller, Gary Miller, Chad Miller all of Washington, Beth Herman of Mayville and Heather (Steve) Cummins of Slinger, other relatives and friends.
Also preceding her in death were her parents, Cornelius & Rose Schill and infant brother, Richard Schill, her mother-in-law Gertrude Bauer, her step-father-in-law George Bauer, her sister-in-law, Joanne (Sklener) Herman, her brother-in-law Gottlieb Herman and her niece Kim Herman.
The family is grateful to the staff of Ivy Manor and also for the loving care she received at Grancare Nursing Home where her illness progressed at lightning speed; stealing the life she once knew. She leaves a legacy of beauty, humility and love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday Oct. 24th at 11:00 AM at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Campbellsport. Rev. John Radetski will officiate and burial will follow in St. Matthews Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of Mass at St. Matthews Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards a memorial bench for the Village of Campbellsport. Twohig Funeral Home, Campbellsport, is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.