Dorris (Rosenbauer) Waack was born on July 13, 1930 to Martha (née Wolfram) and Werner Rosenbauer Sr. of Osman, Wisconsin and died Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at the age of 93 at St. Mary’s Home, Manitowoc after a stay of 11 days.
She married Paul Waack in 1966 and together they raised Dorris’ three children, Ruth (Steven) Kloss of Two Rivers, Susan Theriault of Traverse City, Michigan and Dennis (Patty) Musil, Whitelaw. This November 5th, they would have celebrated 57 years of marriage.
They have five granddaughters, Sarah Shagam, Summer Hunter, Becky (Ryan) Engler, April Musil, Abigail (Eduardo) Aycardi. They have five great grandchildren, Aubrey and Adrian Rotter, Archer Shagam and Ayden and Landon Hunter.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her beloved only sister Delores “Tootie” Dahlke, her brother and favorite prank caller, Randall “Randy” Rosenbauer, her sisters-in-law Marie Rosenbauer and Janet Grunewald, and her brothers-in-law Donald (Deloris) and Bobby and Elaine Waack.
She is survived by two more dear brothers, Edward Rosenbauer of Osman and Werner “Vern” Rosenbauer Jr. and his wife, Mary, of West Plains, Missouri and their children, and her sister-in-law Doris(Joe Zabler) of Manitowoc. Also, good friends of many decades: Janet (the late Floyd) Shimek of Manitowoc, Beverly Gilbertson of Manitowoc, her sister-in-law, Marion Thiel, Chuck and Linda Kauth, Peggy and Kenny Waack and so many, many of her neighbors and friends who love her in return.
Included in this list of Dorris’ loved ones are: Her favorite sister-in-law and one of her end-of-life caregivers Mary, wife of the late Randy Rosenbauer. One of her end-of-life caregivers and niece: Tracie (Tom) Wurm. Her nieces Lisa (Jeff) Alfsen, Lynn and Tom Irvine, Jodi (Dale) Hibbard, Cindy (Paul) Stephani, and her nephew Gary (Dorothy) Rosenbauer.
Almost everyone named here had clothing made, repaired, or altered by Dorris’ talented hands. Some of her creations were at a presidential inauguration in the 60’s, a Pavarotti concert in New York in the 90’s, and her daughter’s and granddaughter’s weddings. She was still caring for her home, baking and cooking for her husband and sewing until only a few months ago. And due to her hospitable, generous personality and the way she made everyone feel special, she was surrounded by visitors to the very end, as many as 14 people per day.
Our entire family would like to express sincere appreciation to the hardworking staff at St. Mary’s Home in Manitowoc particularly Britney, Pam and Kari who assisted us in Dorris’ final days. We thank the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for patiently answering all of our questions, helping Dorris to be as comfortable as possible, and allowing us caregivers and loved ones to be informed and prepared in the trying final stages.)
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Lakeshore United Methodist Church, 411 Reed Avenue, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Cherie Forret. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Lakeshore United Methodist Church, Manitowoc. Dorris will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers your presence is all that is needed.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
***
Like we search for the first signs of Spring,
We will long for the sight of your face.
Even as we strain to hear the first snowbird’s song once again,
We will ache to hear your laughter.
Like the brightness that comes at the end of winter,
Just as the vibrant colors of crocuses and daffodils that peep out of the snow,
And the warmer breezes that thaw the ice,
You will bring us joy and comfort even in our memories.
– Abigail (Kloss) Aycardi, granddaughter
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.