Dorothy Phelan

Dorothy Marie Phelan, age 92, died peacefully on November 26, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. She was the first child of Charles and Leone Macdonald, born July 3, 1919. Dorothy attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1937. She enrolled in the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942. From 1942-1946, she taught Home Economics in New Holstein, WI. On New Years Eve, 1945, she met Richard Phelan on a blind date and the two were married August 28, 1946, at St. Mary’s Church, Rhinelander, she was a life long member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish. Dorothy and Rich raised six children; she also worked at Reeves Bakery for 23 years. She prepared the most delicious food for any family member or guest, always with her warm smile. She also enjoyed watching her Chicago Cub baseball, or just relaxing in her home. After retiring from work, she volunteered in the RSVP office for 13 years, enjoying everyday there. Dorothy was chosen for the Good Samaritan Award by the Catholic Charities, which she treasured. Dorothy truly loved the Rhinelander Community. Her high school Hodag yearbook said it best: “To know her was to love her.” She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family was number “1” on her list.

Dorothy is survived by her three sons: Charles (Barb) Phelan, Madison, WI; Richard (Celeste) Phelan, Geneva, IL; Timothy (Joan) Phelan, Rhinelander; three daughters: Patty (Tom) Reimer, Greenville, WI; Mary Baron, Aurora, IL; Maureen (Dirk) Fisher, Appleton, WI: nine grandchildren: Lisa and Dan (Nikki) Baron; Brian (Megan) and Allison Reimer; Brent, Bradley, and Rachel Fisher; Joseph and Macdonald Phelan; five great-grandchildren: Mason Purdy; Mark and Olivia Baron; Bennett and Grayson Reimer. She is survived by two sisters: Mary (John) Spencer, Rhinelander; Jean Miller, Milwaukee, WI and by her special friends and wonderful staff at Taylor Park. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard in 1993; one sister, Marge Sharkey; one brother, Dick Macdonald; two brother-in-laws, Mike Sharkey and Jim Miller; one sister-in-law, Carol Macdonald.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 2, 2011, at Nativity of Our Lord Church (St. Mary’s Site). Father John Gerritts will be officiating. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday December 1, 2011 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in Dorothy’s name and may be directed to the family. Rhinelander’s Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements and invites all to sign Dorothy’s guest book on-line at hildebrandfh.com.