Dorothy E. Thiele

Dorothy Thiele (née Clasen), age 96, passed peacefully into eternal life on June 23, 2026, at ProHealth Angels Grace Hospice, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Dorothy was born on December 28, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Milton and Elsie (née Klenke) Clasen. She graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee and began her career as an accountant and office manager for several Milwaukee businesses before embracing the role that would become her life's greatest joy—raising her family.

On July 1, 1950, Dorothy married the love of her life, Kenneth Thiele. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unwavering love and devotion. They were rarely seen apart, sharing life's joys and challenges hand in hand for many decades. Dorothy now rejoins Kenneth in heaven, where they are together once again.

Raised during the Great Depression and World War II, Dorothy carried with her a deep appreciation for hard work, resourcefulness, gratitude, and perseverance. These values shaped her life and became gifts she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Dorothy and Kenneth made their home in Muskego, Wisconsin, where together they raised eight children. Being a wife and mother was Dorothy's greatest passion and proudest accomplishment. Her home was always open, and everyone who entered was welcomed as family. She possessed a remarkable gift for making others feel loved, accepted, and cared for.

To her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she wasn't simply the heart of our family—she was our steady hand, our listening ear, and our quiet example of how to live a life rooted in faith, humility, kindness, and unconditional love. No matter who crossed her doorstep, she had a remarkable way of making everyone feel they belonged.

Dorothy will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, quick wit, remarkable memory, and generous heart. She was a thoughtful friend, devoted sister, loving caregiver, and steadfast source of wisdom for her family. Her faith in God remained unwavering throughout her life, sustaining her through every joy and every hardship.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures. Dorothy was an avid reader, a champion Scrabble player, and a skilled card player who enjoyed countless games with family and friends. She took tremendous pride in her vegetable garden and delighted in nurturing both her plants and the people she loved.

Summers spent with Kenneth and their family in Brainerd, Minnesota, became treasured traditions filled with laughter, lifelong memories, and friendships that grew into extended family.

Dorothy is lovingly survived by her children: Richard (Irma) Thiele, Susan (Michael) Bohrer, Laura (Dan) Relyea, Joanne (Stephen) Guendel, Bonnie (Kevin) Mattson, Patricia (John) Sharer, and Robert (Jill) Thiele. She was the cherished grandmother of 15 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 20. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth; her son, Michael; her parents, Milton and Elsie Clasen; and her sisters, Virginia Clasen and Beverly Fraker, and her half-brother Eugene Luebke.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Rent-A-Daughter, who cared for Dorothy daily in her home for years. And for the dedicated staff at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and the loving team at ProHealth Angels Grace Hospice for the exceptional care, dignity, and kindness shown to Dorothy during her final days.

In keeping with Dorothy's wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Waukesha Women's Center or the Wisconsin Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at the WI State Headquarters.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing Dorothy's greatest reunion has taken place. Her legacy of faith, love, generosity, strength, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.