Dorothy M. Elzinga (1930-2016)

Dorothy Mae Elzinga, 85, of Racine, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, following a short illness.

Dorothy was born on June 18, 1930, in Racine to the late Dorris and Julia Anderson Matson.  She married John Elzinga on February 24, 1951, in Racine.  They were married for 58 years, until John’s death in October 2009.

An avid golfer, Dorothy participated for many years in league play at Shoop and Johnson Parks.  She also enjoyed visiting with her friends, bowling, painting, decorating, writing, playing bridge, and, of course, shopping.

During her working years, Dorothy was employed for more than 30 years with the Racine Unified School District, working in the Central Office Special Education Department and at several elementary schools as a school secretary.  Following retirement, she volunteered in the gift shop at the Wind Point Lighthouse.

A member of First Presbyterian Church in Racine, Dorothy was an active volunteer there and bible study participant.

Dorothy is survived by her son Jeff (Valerie) of Howards Grove; her daughter Denise Lee of Oak Creek; her daughter Beth of Racine; and six grandchildren, Julia Lee of Washington, DC; Logan Lee of Alexandria, VA, Eliot (Sarah) Elzinga of Sandy Spring, MD; Celine Elzinga of Cazenovia, NY; Gabrielle Elzinga-Marshall of Boulder, CO; and Paul Elzinga of Madison.

Dorothy was also the great grandmother of one delightful great grandchild, Chloe Elzinga.

Her nieces and nephews include Paula (Steve) Jakubowski, David (Sandy) Bastianelli, Sheryl (Graeme) Wearne, Gary (Elaine) Michael, Lee Michael, John (Jan) Elzinga, Debbie (Kent) Johnson, Dennis Elzinga, and Janice Ravenwolf.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald Matson, her sister Pearl Milestone, and her husband John.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave, Racine, with Rev. Steve Fringer officiating.  Family and friends may call at the church from 9:30-11:00 a.m.   Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held in Irman Hall in the church.  Private burial will take place at Westlawn Memorial Park

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be forwarded in Dorothy’s name to a scholarship fund set up at Lakeland College, P.O. Box 359, Sheboygan, WI 53082.