Obit: Truax, Dorothy E. (1925 - 2012)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Ahrens, Carloss, Keuer, Latter, Rozewicz, Slaby, Sutton, Truax, Usack

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 06/21/2012

Truax, Dorothy E. (Usack) (17 NOV 1925 - 11 JUN 2012)

Dorothy E. Truax, age 86, of Hannibal, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012 at North Central Health Care Center in Wausau.

Dorothy was born on November 17, 1925 in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Ahrens) Usack. As a young girl she moved with her family to the Hannibal area where she attended school, graduating from Hannibal High School in 1943. Dorothy worked in a Detroit factory until February 2, 1945, when she was united in marriage to Ken Truax, who was serving in the United States Navy. The couple lived in California until Ken was deployed overseas.

Following the war, they had a small farm near Hannibal and she kept busy with home and children as Ken worked out. When the family moved into the village of Hannibal in 1953, Dorothy was the area's telephone switchboard operator while Ken worked as a lineman. In 1958, the couple purchased a dairy farm on the Yellow River, which they ran for 17 years.

Dorothy found time as a farmer's wife and mother to be the town clerk for several years, and later worked at Memorial Hospital of Taylor County, retiring in 1987. Before and after retirement, she was an active member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Hannibal and the Ladies Aid. Along with reading and gardening, Dorothy enjoyed oil painting, quilting and crafts, leaving a legacy of creative treasures for her family and friends. And those who enjoyed "Dot's" bakery or a delicious meal she designed, would say her culinary skills were most memorable. Dorothy loved her family, friends and community, and everyone who knew her loved her as well.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Jean (Dr. Jim) Keuer of Minocqua, Julie Rozewicz (George, deceased) of Hales Corners, John (Kathie) Truax of Seattle, Wash., and Bruce Truax (Donna Latter) of Carlock, Ill.; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; sister, Frieda Sutton of Carlyle, Ill.; brother, Al Usack of Palmetto, Fla.; and sisters-in-law, Betty Usack of Finland, Minn., Bernice Usack of Corona, Calif., and Beverly Slaby of Gilman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken, in 2007; and brothers, John, Robert and James Usack.

Please join us in a Celebration of Dorothy's life at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Hannibal on Saturday, June 30 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bradley Carloss officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Hannibal Cemetery. Friends and family may call one hour prior to service time at the church. Memorials may be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church in Hannibal.