Dee Smick-Mosher

Eighty-seven years ago, Henry and Sally Weyers continued their streak and gave birth to their third daughter, Dorothy Frances Rosella. Henry and Sal would ultimately have five daughters before their son, Henry Jr., ended the run. This six-some of siblings became lifelong friends, experiencing new adventures together. Their boisterous “laugh ‘til you pee a little” personalities brought a smile to most who encountered this group during their numerous adventures. Dot liked being viewed as one of the instigators to this familiar group, often with a twinkle in her eye or a laugh in her smile.

After graduating from Oshkosh High School, Dot and Robert E. Smick married and moved to Illinois. Her college aspirations were interrupted by childbirth… four years in a row! Her greatest joy was spent with family, yet she still dreamed of one day doing more. A divorce and brief stint as a switchboard operator reignited her dreams of college. She enrolled in college and continued to work administrative jobs that she hijacked into supervisory roles. She met and married pilot, Donald A. (“Doc”) Mosher and moved to Millwood New York, then Central City Colorado, only to return to Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Dee (Dot) and Doc traveled to Israel, Central and South America while investing in such unusual businesses as a hot air balloon, river paddleboat, remote-controlled robot, Rocky Mountain saloon, and antique airplane magazine. Dee was the driving force of these creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. But family always came first, and she raised her kids to be as independently minded as she was. She traveled extensively with her grandchildren to Italy, London, Niagara Falls, Hawaii, Chėz Moshėr and more.

She saw herself as a writer - both literally and in the plotline of her own life. Dee was imaginative, creative and earnest. She taught us all how to love, be silly, and live your life how you want to, even when it means deferring long-term dreams for reprioritized short term commitments.

Dee designated Thanksgiving as the annual family gathering and found a perfect rental each year to house her ever-growing family. At its peak, the house needed to accommodate 18 adults and 5 great grandkids, and that challenge was always reached. Appreciating the situation, Dee and her kids, grandkids and great grandkids traveled from Ireland, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and Wisconsin to celebrate an Illinois Thanksgiving this past June together. Dee Smick-Mosher, age 87, passed away peaceably on August 8, 2025.

She knew and experienced loss, including Doc; her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law Ruth & Knute Pleshek, Euny & Bob Becker, Tom Schoenberger, Peg & Charlie Draves, and Judy Weyers; grandson Christopher Lampe-Smick and granddaughter Cheryl Goodale (Smick).

Dee is survived by her sons and daughter; Joe and Lisa Beth Smick and family, Dave and Joanie Smick and family, Sue and Bob Shea and family, and Jon and Michelle Smick. Dee also leaves her sister, Betty Schoenberger, brother Hank Weyers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and relatives to tell her stories.

The friends and staff at Carmel Residence, Gabriel’s Villa and Elijah’s Place were so helpful to Dee and her family this past year. Special thanks to Malissa and Kim at Generations Hospice, along with Jamie at Elijah’s Place, for their compassion and care over the past few months. It was Dee’s request that no services be held. For those wishing to donate in honor of Dee, she has requested you to make a donation to your favorite charity.

“You’re never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true.” 

-From Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull