Dorothy Grace Skillings, age 93, of Menomonie, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Colfax Health & Rehab in Colfax. 

Dorothy was born May 26, 1929, in the township of Spring Brook, Dunn County.  She was the daughter of Philip and Grace (Styer) Brehm.  Dorothy married Donald Skillings on August 8, 1951, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie. 

Don and Dorothy farmed in Downsville until 1955, when they moved to Janesville Wisconsin.

Don and Dorothy returned to Menomonie where she worked as a seamstress at Sandy Lee manufacturing company for 25 years, until she retired.  She then worked for Coffin’s department store in Menomonie for several years. 

Don and Dorothy traveled the United States in their motorhome until settling back in Menomonie in 2008.  She enjoyed traveling with Don and keeping him on track down the long roads with her trip tics in hand. She also enjoyed crocheting,  quilting and journaling. She took pleasure in spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family & friends. 

A special thank you to Mayo Hospice for their assistance with Dorothy and her neighbors for their care and friendship throughout her 14 years of residency at the Howe apartments. 

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Cynthia (Barry) Sorenson, Dorian (Mary Burns) Skillings and Colleen (Jeff) Mensing, all of Menomonie; seven grandchildren; Cary (Ben) Fox, Craig (Karisa) Sorenson, Christa (Dan) Soules, Darcie (Jason) Kramber, Dustin (Nicole) Skillings, Derrick (Michaela) Mensing, Ashley (Eric) Stuart; 15 great grandchildren; Skyler, Landon, Davany and Hayden Fox, Caden and Cage Sorenson, Morgan and Cody Soules, Sam, Addison and Izabella Kramber, Jessalyn, Delaney and Conner Mensing and Levi Stuart; four sisters, Mildred (Laverne) Mousel of Rockford Illinois, Theresa Knutson of Menomonie, Louise (Wayne) Davies of Madison, Sylvia (Kenneth) Kochersperger of Janesville; one brother, Jerry (Donna) Brehm of Janesville. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald in 2014, a brother, James Brehm, a brother-in-law, Clifford Knutson and three grandchildren, Sammie Jo, Bobbie Jo, and Billie Jo Mensing. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Friday September 23, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. John Mano officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday

Condolences

1. Greg borchert October 4, 2022, at 12:33am

   Sorry to hear about your mother Dory I saw her obituary and I didn't know if that was your mother and then I read it and found out it was and I thought about her times down in Westfield Wisconsin

2. Lynda Lee Cran September 22, 2022, at 4:42pm

   Dorothy was the sweetest lady. Enjoyed her at Coffins, just a gem. She will be missed by many.

3. Jill Bennwitz September 22, 2022, at 3:21pm

   Thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy's family with this great loss. She was such a sweet & social lady. My Mom, Marlene Sabelko & Ed Sabelko were neighbors next to Dorothy & Don at the Howe Apartments and always enjoyed visits with them. Mom & I stopped and visited Dorothy within the past couple years, always a joy to catch up and visit with her. She always talked so loving about her dear family. Cherish the memories. Sincerest sympathy to all.

4. Steve Sedlmayr September 20, 2022, at 12:42am

   Don and Dorothy worked together as a team to put new ceilings in our school (Alma) over a couple of summers. They were a great team!! We became friends and I was pleased to have been invited to their 50th Anniversary party. I met most of you at that party and the visitation for Don. They both were very proud of their family! From those two times meeting their family, they had every right to be proud of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate Dorothy's life.

5. Sallie Snyder September 19, 2022, at 9:46pm

   Aunt Dorothy you will be greatly missed.

6. Ruth Swanson & Swany September 19, 2022, at 8:54pm

   We are so sorry we will not be able to be with all of you on last day with her. Just know that we are there with our hearts & thoughts & prayers forall of you. Dorothy will be missed. She is with Don now.

7. Dawn J Knutson September 19, 2022, at 6:58pm

   We were so sorry to hear of Dorothys passing. May all your good memories of her sustain you during this difficult time.
   Dale and Dawn Knutson

8. Connie Brehm Quilling September 19, 2022, at 5:25pm

   So sorry for your loss. A great lady.

9. Debra Hasse September 19, 2022, at 5:20pm

   Please know I am thinking of Dorothy's children at this sad time. Many memories will be shared through out your lives about her. Prayers

10. Shirley Riedmann September 19, 2022, at 5:05pm

    Dorothy was a beautiful soul. It was my privilege to be her Mayo Hospice Companion volunteer. I will truly miss our visits and her wonderful wit. My sincerest condolences to the family.

11. Barbara Shannon September 19, 2022, at 4:54pm

    So sorry for your loss. Dorothy was such a nice lady, and I know my parents (Don & Jane Williams) enjoyed having her for their neighbor for several years at the Howe Apartments.

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