Dorothy Skorka

Dorothy Margaret Skorka, age 86 of Waukesha, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.  She was born on January 8, 1923 in Hubertus, WI, the oldest of eight children born to Joseph and Mary Weber.  She was united in marriage to Leo Skorka on June 16, 1941.  Early in her marriage, Dorothy worked at the Plankington House, as well as several other dining establishments in the Milwaukee area.  In 1953, Dorothy and Leo purchased a resort, and along with their three children moved to Drummond, WI, and named the new family business the Black Bear Inn.  During their 10 years of ownership, it was extensively renovated and remodeled.  Upon the sale of the business, Leo and Dorothy spent the next few years traveling.  After looking for a new home and owning several lake homes in Northern, WI and Michigan, they settled in Perkinston, MS where they lived until the time of Leo’s death in 1990.  Dorothy then returned to the Milwaukee area to live with her two daughters.  She later became a resident of Summit Woods in Waukesha and then moved to the Sunset View Adult Family Group Home where she was lovingly cared for, along with her two friends Wanda and Evelyn, until the time of her death.  Dorothy loved to sew and spent much of her time designing and making beautiful quilts for family and friends.  She was also an excellent cook and especially enjoyed preparing and sharing special dishes, as well as baked items with others. Dorothy is survived by two daughters:  Dianne (Bob) Sorenson of Owatonna, MN, and Chris (Mike) Rodriguez of Big Bend; and one son, Bob (Carol) Skorka of Sebring, FL.  She is also survived by three grandsons:  Ray Sorenson of Pacific Junction, IA, Steve (Sharon) Rodriguez of Phoenix, AZ, and Brad (Candy) Skorka of Cypress, TX; three granddaughters:  Pat (Steve) Omann of St. Cloud, MN, Stacy Lemley of Mukwonago, and Gina Skorka of Milwaukee; five great-grandsons:  Ryan, Brad, and Jason Omann, Michael Rodriguez, and Luke Skorka; great-granddaughter, Taylor Lemley; and her siblings:  Rose Kapusta and Ginny Murphy of Milwaukee, Marge Rodriguez of Waukesha, and Dick Weber of Brookfield, along with many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leo; sister, Eleanor Stuettgen; brothers: Ray and Walter Weber; and brothers-in-law, Alan Murphy and Joe Kapusta.  The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dorothy’s care givers, Dick and Bobbie Bowen, to staff and friends at Curative Adult Day Care Center, and nursing staff at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for all the love, care and friendship they have provided.  Dorothy has given us all many wonderful memories which we will cherish forever. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at Spring Creek Church, N352 W22000 Capitol Dr., Pewaukee.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6130 W. National Avenue, Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53214.  For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave an on-line tribute.