Obituary of Dorothy Anne Josie

Dorothy Anne Josie, age 94, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Friday, September 25, 2015 at Strawberry Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wisconsin Rapids. Dorothy was born January 13, 1921 in Downers Grove, Illinois to Oliver and Elsie (Carlson) Springer. She graduated from Vesper Grade School in 1935 and completed one year at Lincoln High School in 1937. Dorothy worked on the family farm and then left and worked for Normington's Laundry, Wilpold's Restaurant, and Consolidated Papers Inc. holding various positions. Dorothy then co-owned and operated the Quick Lunch Restaurant in Wisconsin Rapids. Dorothy met her first husband, Claire L. Vogel and was married in the fall of 1950. The marriage later ended in divorce. After their marriage, Dorothy sold the Quick Lunch and worked for the Mead Inn, where she met and waited on many businessmen and politicians and entertainers including Mrs. Jacquelyn Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Guy Lombardo and Wayne King. Dorothy married her second husband, Orville W. Josie on August 28, 1961. The marriage lasted 45 ½ years. Dorothy and Orville owned and operated The Venture Inn in Wisconsin Rapids for 10 years. Dorothy drove school bus for Safe Way on kindergarten and West Junior High routes. Dorothy was a great cook and baker. Holidays were very special to her and she would prepare for them by making homemade breads, cookies, candy and special desserts. Dorothy loved her vegetable and flower gardens. She was born with a green thumb and had a Christmas cactus that bloomed every year for over 60 years. Dorothy liked taking rides in the car and having lunch or dinner wherever she ended up. She enjoyed polka and country music, rummage sales, crosswords and Bingo. She loved her grandchildren and was often seen at the local farmers markets. Dorothy is survived by two sons: Mike Vogel and Jeffery Josie; one daughter, Sharon Withers; grandchildren; Jessica Josie and Patrick and Sherri Marzofka; great-grandchildren: Kaylie, Trista and Parker Marzofka; and a nephew, Lavern (Delores) Becker. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Ole and Donald, two sisters: Mabel and Hazel; and brother-in-law, Frank Becker. The family would like to thank the chaplain and nurses at Aspirus Riverview Hospital for the loving care kindness they gave Dorothy. Dorothy has her own apartment until she was 92 and only lived at Strawberry Lane a very short time. She made many friends and her mind was good until the end. She was often surrounded by staff and residents joking and telling stories. We want to thank the girls at Strawberry Lane for the friendship, love and care given to our mother. You truly are a special bunch of people. There will be no public visitation or service. A private family service will be held at a later date. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family with arrangements.