Linda K. Dornacher, 73, Burlington, died Nov. 23, 2013, at Lakeland Health Care Center, while being held in the arms of her husband, and surrounded by her children and their spouses.
She was born in Whitewater on April 28, 1940, to the late Clarence and Florence (Sanders) Hagen. She spent her early life in Whitewater where she attended grade and high schools, graduating in 1958. Following high school she attended the Milwaukee School of Cosmetology and became licensed in 1959.
On Aug. 20, 1960, she married Laurence ‘Larry’ Dornacher at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Whitewater. She dearly loved her husband of 53 years. They attended elementary and high school together and became best friends for life. She never tired of telling Larry how good looking he was even though he didn’t always agree with her. Following marriage they lived in Montello, Whitewater, and Wind Lake before moving to Burlington on 1970.
She had many jobs and interests during her life and most recently worked for 15 years at Burlington Garden Center. In addition to cosmetology she worked with severely challenged children, in retail, nursing homes and home health care. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where she was a sacristan and eucharistic minister for many years. She volunteered extensively for her church and was a devout Catholic.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, a caring aunt, sister, grandmother and friend. She crocheted, embroidered, wove baskets, caned chairs, enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. She embraced the performing arts and almost anything that would broaden her world. She and Larry traveled to France, several times, Italy, England, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, Canada, Mexico and most of the United States. Her life was indeed full and complete.
Survivors include her husband; children, David (Judith) Dornacher, Franklin, John (Mary) Dornacher, Burlington, Laurie (Stephen Keatley), Mequon; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Sean Dornacher; step-grandchildren, Nicole Madderom and Liz McDonnell; step-great-grandchildren, Mara, Jacob and Nathan; siblings, Nancy Edmundson, Elkhorn, Myrna (Kenneth) Hoag, Columbus, Ga., Lowell (Thu) Hagen, Whitewater; sisters-in-law, Marian Dornacher, Janesville, and Shirley Grant, Whitewater; and her two pet cats, Einer and Casper.
She was further preceded in death by her nephews, Rodney Edmundson and Thomas Dornacher, and two brothers-in-law, Byron Edmundson and Jerold Dornacher.
Memorials to St. Charles Catholic Church, Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn or Love Inc., Burlington would be appreciated.
The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Webber, Katrina and Dr. Haider, the staff at Lakeland Health Care Center and all supportive and caring friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Amann officiating. Visitation is Friday, Nov. 29, from 4-7 p.m., with a prayer vigil at 6:30 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery at a later date.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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