Obit: Laverty, Doloris E. (1928 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Laverty, Foster, Heiting, Kiel, Friedrichs, Bratz, Stroupe, Dietzel, Hermann, Dioka

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) March 3, 2010

Laverty, Doloris E. (28 April 1928 – 23 February 2010)

Doloris E. Laverty, 81, of Alma Center died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire.

Doloris was born April 28, 1928, in Stanley to parents John and Ann (Foster) Heiting.  She graduated from Hannibal High School, in 1946 as salutatorian of her graduating class.  She graduated from Eau Claire State College and received her M.S. Degree in English from Eau Claire.

She married Michael Vincent Laverty July 19, 1952, in Gilman.  Michael was a district school administrator who hired Doloris as an English teacher.  She taught at Fairchild High School from 1951 to 1967 when the couple moved to Alma Center where she continued to teach until 1988.  Her husband preceded her in death Dec. 7, 2002.

Doloris had a great many interests with family being foremost.  While teaching, she was involved in coaching forensics and drama.  She continued her involvement in educational activities after her retirement by serving as a volunteer reading coach at the local elementary school and coordinating the story hour program at the Alma Center Public Library with Donna Keil.  She was active in 4-H and in Jackson County UW-Extension Homemakers/HCE programming.  She was recognized as a “Woman in History” in Jackson County.  She was also a member of the Alma Center American Legion Auxiliary.

The Catholic faith was a major part of Doloris’ life.  She served on the church council of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and also served as a reader and Eucharistic minister.  She was also an active member of Saint Mary’s Altar Society and was a confirmation and CCD teacher for many years.

Doloris loved to travel, taking trips throughout the United States and Europe with family and friends.  She took an especially memorable trip to visit family members in The Netherlands. She enjoyed traveling with the Golden Girls travel group.

She was accomplished at sewing and craftwork and was well-known for her high-quality hand-made teddy bears and quilts.  Other special pastimes included reading, bird watching and gardening.

Doloris was a treasured friend to many and will be greatly missed.  She so appreciated the caring community of wonderful neighbors and friends with whom she enjoyed spending time.

She is survived by four daughters, Mary (Ken) Friedrichs of Monroe, Margaret (Charles) Bratz of Whitehall, Patricia (Phillip) Stroupe of Waukesha and Susan (Jerry) Dietzel of McFarland; one sister, Jeanne Hermann; one brother, Leonard (Barbara) Heiting; five grandchildren, Peter Bratz, Kateri Bratz, Michael Friedrichs, Andy Dietzel, and Theresa Dietzel; besides nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Doloris E. Laverty were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Alma Center with Reverend Father Jude Dioka officiating.  Burial took place in Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Alma Center.  Friends called at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. rosary service and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

Casketbearers were: Peter Bratz, Andy Dietzel, Michael Friedrichs, Brian Heiting, Chuck Hermann, Gary and Jim Laverty.

Memorials are preferred to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Alma Center, the Alma Center, Merrillan, Humbird School District or to the donor’s choice in memory of Doloris Laverty.