Obit: Lietzow, Deloris A. (1923 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Lietzow, Riedel, Nelson, Miller, Johnson, Cardarella, Imig, Braun

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 01/19/2012

Lietzow, Deloris A. (23 SEP 1923 - 16 JAN 2012)

Deloris Annabelle Lietzow of Dorchester peacefully fell asleep in Jesus on Jan. 16, 2012, at the age of 88, with her sons at her side.

Deloris was born at the family farm in Prentice, Wisconsin, on Sept. 23, 1923, to Arnold and Elvera Riedel (Nelson). She joined her 6-year-old sister, Evelyn.

After graduating from high school in Prentice, Deloris moved to Chicago, Ill., where she found work as a nanny to a little boy and twin girls in the home of the Hilton family. From this position she moved on to become an office worker where her beautiful penmanship was greatly appreciated. 

Eventually she moved in with an aunt and uncle and was hired in a defense plant where she worked in a factory for 75 cents an hour as a quality control inspector.

Deloris married Clive Lietzow on July 18, 1946, in Prentice. After their wedding, Clive and Deloris lived with Clive's parents, Edwin and Freda (Miller) Lietzow for almost two years until they purchased a farm in Dorchester. Their first son, Bert, was born on July 29, 1950, and his younger brother, Dean, joined the family on Dec. 31, 1957.

Throughout her life, Deloris worked hard beside her husband to help their farm grow and prosper. She maintained impeccable books and took care of the finances for the farm. Deloris was also a faithful member of Salem United Methodist Church in Dorchester, where she was active in assisting with church dinners and the up-keep of the church property and parsonage. Deloris served on the church council as treasurer, paid the church expenses, and maintained the church books. At the time of her passing she was the church historian.

Deloris was passionate in advocating for the higher education of her sons, Bert and Dean. No matter their chosen avocation, she expected her sons to seek a college degree. This resulted in Bert attending the University of Wisconsin-Stout for his undergraduate degree as well as his Masters of Science Degree. Dean earned his degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and eventually moved on to take over the family farm in Dorchester. The focus on education was also evident in the higher education of her grandchildren. Deloris had seven grandchildren. Five have attended post-secondary schools and graduated in his or her particular area of study. One granddaughter is currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her youngest grandson has just entered Colby High School.

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Elvera (Nelson) Riedel; her in-laws, Edwin and Freda (Miller) Lietzow; her nephew, Wayne Johnson; her sister, Evelyn (Riedel) Johnson; and her loving husband, Clive Lietzow. 

She is survived by her two sons, Bert Lietzow of Montello and Dean Lietzow of Dorchester.

Bert's (Karen) children are his son, Marcus Lietzow, his wife, Annie, and daughters, Arianna and Mia; and his daughter, Meghan Cardarella, her husband, Brian, and their son, Rhett. Dean and his wife Carol have five children — Calvin, Kate, Drew, Bree and Trent. Deloris is further survived by her niece, Elverna (Norman) Imig; and nephews, Ardo (Suzanne) Johnson and Kenneth (Lynn) Johnson. She will also be greatly missed by her dear friend, Connie Braun. Deloris is also survived by other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Salem United Methodist Church in Dorchester. Visitation for friends and family will precede the service starting at 11 a.m. at the church. Lunch followed the service.

The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is assisting the family with arrangements.