Dorothy Lorraine Kopischke

DOROTHY LORRAINE KOPISCHKE, age 99, of Waseca, formerly of Janesville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Foxdale in Waseca.

Dorothy was born on September 10, 1926, on the family farm in St. Mary Township, Waseca County, to Fred and Malinda (Seewald) Mittelstaedt. She was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Iosco Township, Waseca County. Dorothy received her education through the eighth grade at Waseca County Country School District 64, with the exception of her seventh-grade year, which she attended at Trinity Lutheran School in Janesville.

On October 17, 1945, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin Kopischke at St. John Lutheran Church in Iosco Township. Together they made their home on the farm, where they raised three daughters. Dorothy was deeply rooted in her rural upbringing—she was raised on a farm, became a devoted farm wife, and carried those values throughout her life. She tended gardens both on the farm and in town, preserving the harvest through freezing and canning.

Dorothy and Alvin did everything together. Their marriage was a true partnership, lasting 66 years until Alvin’s passing on July 12, 2012. Dorothy cherished her family and instilled in each of them the Christian values that guided her life. She found joy in entertaining, celebrating holidays, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville, where she was active in the Ladies Aid and Senior Group. Dorothy will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted grandmother—affectionately known as “Grandma Picky”—and proud great-grandmother.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters: Linda (Richard) Thesing of Rochester, Norma (Jim) Fury of Janesville, and Diane (Chester) Bilgo of Plymouth, WI; grandchildren: Jason (Stephanie) Thesing, Kristi Mehring, Matt Fury, Jennifer (Chris) Walz, Brent (Jennifer) Fury, Sara (Dan) Smith, and Todd (Chelsey) Bilgo; 12 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Adeline (Boettcher) Kopischke; husband, Alvin; siblings: Deloris (Leo) Guse, Eldor (Vera) Mittelstaedt, Marvel (Harold) Miller, and Norma in infancy; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Edward (Agnes) Kopischke, Art (Delilah) Kopischke, Luke (Violet) Kopischke, and Paul (Marcella) Kopischke.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville with Rev. Jason Wolter officiating. Interment will follow at St. John Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Iosco Township, Waseca County. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Blessed be her memory.