Dorothy M Wanless

Dorothy M. (Natzke) Wanless, age 97, of Schofield, died Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center -Weston.

She was born on August 13, 1927, in Merrill, WI to the late William & Elsie (Scheu) Natzke.

She was united in marriage to George A. Wanless on September 29, 1956, in Merrill. The couple enjoyed 56 years of marriage before his passing on April 4, 2012.

Dorothy owned and operated a beauty shop, Dorothy’s Chic Salon, in Merrill, for a number of years prior to the birth of her children. Once her children were older, she worked alongside her husband for the family TV and appliance business. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the Alter Guild. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing for family well into her 90’s. Her achievements included her daughter Elsa’s wedding dress and many of the bridesmaid dresses, and a quilt which earned her a blue ribbon at the fair. Dorothy bowled in the Maid’s Day Off league, enjoyed traveling with family, and wintered in Texas with her husband for a number of years, after retirement.

She is survived by her children: Timothy (Kathleen) Wanless of Ringle; daughter, Elsa Woosley, of Delta, PA; daughter, Gail Wanless, of Weston; grandchildren, Sara (Philip) Beck of Weston; Dawn Woosley, of Delta, PA; and Eric (Brittney) Wanless of Kronenwetter; brother, Robert Natzke of Merrill; Sister-in-law, Doris Wanless of Fort Atkinson; six great-grandchildren: Ethan, Madelyn and Mabel Beck; Wyatt, Aubree and Emree Wanless.

Dorothy was preceded in death by: her husband George; parents (William and Elsie Natzke); parents-in-law (Arthur and Clara Wanless); brother, Norman (Eleanor) Natzke; sister, Lorraine (Erwin) Mobius; in-laws: Leona Wanless, Gertrude (Jacob) Reist, Janet Natzke; Leonard Wanless and Fred (Esther) Wanless.

A funeral service for Dorothy will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 N. State St. Merrill. Pastor Scott Gustafson will officiate.

Family and friends may greet for a time of visitation at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service.

Dorothy will be buried next to George at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Day Care.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Renaissance Assisted Living for their kindness and friendship to mom during her stay there.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.