Dorothy M Freuen

Dorothy Mary Freuen passed away Friday morning with her daughter by her side. She was 94.

Dorothy was born March 10, 1924, in Oshkosh to Earl and Mabel Bickford. She had one brother, Richard Bickford.

She was a meticulous and intelligent woman who found her calling as Deputy Clerk of Courts for Winnebago County. Dorothy was proud to have served the many fine judges and attorneys with whom she worked.

She felt blessed to have met Mathias J. Freuen, who she married on May 22, 1954, at Saint Mary Parish in Oshkosh. They had one daughter, Teresa Anne. After her daughter’s birth, Dorothy devoted her life to raising Teresa and caring for relatives and friends.

Dorothy was devout in her Catholic faith and an active member in Saint Mary Parish, where she celebrated every sacrament. In her later years, she went to Mass every day at Mercy Medical Center’s chapel and volunteered there, tending to the chapel’s upkeep and serving Communion.

Her religion influenced every part of her life. She was a skilled ceramic artist with an affinity for Nativity sets and was known to regale her granddaughters with a lively version of Amazing Grace as they clapped to the beat.

Dorothy’s Christmas cookie plates were legendary: They included not only the traditional cutout sugar cookies with royal icing, but also peanut brittle, toffee bars, bachelor buttons, pecan fingers, caramels, and Mathias’s favorite ginger snaps. Baking brought her joy, and fall apples were her favorite ingredient (family members are still trying to replicate her apple pie). In her granddaughters’ eyes, however, her greatest creations were buttered cinnamon toast and frosted graham crackers, which she served during tea parties with Diet Coke.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Teresa; son-in-law, Fred Leach; granddaughters Kirstin Siegler (Jon Siegler) and Holly Leach; and cousins. Her husband preceded her in death on May 15, 2017.

Visitation will be held on October 30, at 10:15-11 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Saint Mary Parish, 605 Merritt Ave., Oshkosh, WI, 54901, with Mass to follow. A memorial has been established.

The family appreciates the staff members Home Care Assistance, as well as Amy, Diane and Jenny, who made it possible for Dorothy to remain in her beloved home for several years.

In addition, the family offers a very special thank you to the staff members in Creekview at Evergreen Retirement Community who helped her through the final two months of her life. We will never forget the kindness and comfort you brought Dorothy during her final days.