Dorothy J. Selzer

Dorothy “Dottie” Selzer (nee: Dwan), of Waukesha, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on October 31, 1938, the daughter of George and Winifred (nee: Bogardus) Dwan, in Mason City, Iowa. Dottie spent her childhood in her hometown where she graduated from Holy Family Catholic School in 1956. She then went on to continue her education at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa. Later in life she pursued a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College (University) in Waukesha receiving a degree in Social Work in 1989.

Following her early college years, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper until becoming a stay-home mom. Upon returning to the workforce, she took a position as an office clerk at the US Postal Service in Milwaukee until her retirement in 2000. Post retirement, Dottie worked for Visiting Angels, providing in-home care.

On August 13, 1960, she married Lloyd Selzer in Mason City, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 2004. She was a member at St. William Catholic Church. Dottie poured her creativity into sewing, crocheting, and crafting. She was an avid reader, never heading to bed without a book in hand. She went on many adventures travelling around the world, never finding a beach she didn’t like. She was known to be a jigsaw puzzle expert and even had a “puzzle” room in her home. Her favorite moments in life were those times spent with family, friends, and her beloved pets.

She is survived by her children James Selzer, Carol Selzer, Constance Selzer, John (Stephany) Selzer, and Catherine (Tate) Selzer-Benavides, grandchildren Brandon Selzer, Alexandra Kerr, Victoria Kerr, Tiburon Benavides, and Paige Benavides. She is further survived by her brother Thomas (Lynn) Dwan, sister Mary Ellen Ratajesak, and sisters-in-law Diana Dwan, Margaret Selzer, and Mary Catherine Selzer, as well as cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lloyd, her brother Jack, her brothers and sisters-in-law William (Vickie) Selzer, Curtis Selzer, Mildred (John) Harover, Wallace Selzer, and Kenneth Selzer.

Per her wishes no funeral services will be held. The family is planning a Celebration of Life, to be held in Iowa June 27th.

In her honor, please consider donating to Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary (www.whisperingwillowsseniordogsanctuary.com) or to your local Humane Society.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com to leave the family an online tribute message.