Dorothy Marie Kloes, age 86, of Oconto, Wisconsin, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on July 23, 2026.
Born on March 5, 1940, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Leo and Marjorie Hughes, Dorothy graduated from Appleton High School with the Class of 1958. On February 27, 1960, she married the love of her life, Richard Kloes, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Appleton. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family.
Dorothy's faith in God was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, caring sister, and loyal friend. She lived each day with humility, compassion, and a servant's heart, always putting the needs of others before her own. Whether caring for her family, serving her community, or simply offering a listening ear, Dorothy reflected Christ's love in all she did.
For 25 years, Dorothy worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Franciscan Care in Appleton and the Oconto Nursing Home, where caring for others was more than a career—it was her calling. She faithfully volunteered at St. Anne's Catholic Church and its food pantry, served for 12 years as President of the American Legion Auxiliary, and was Treasurer of the Lena Veterans Memorial. Her quiet leadership, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives.
Dorothy found joy in tending her flower and vegetable gardens, baking, cooking, spending time with her family, and cheering on her beloved Milwaukee Brewers. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by those she loved, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.
She is lovingly survived by her husband Richard Kloes, children, Gary (Becky) Kloes, Richard Jr. (Kim) Kloes, Jeff (Connie) Kloes, Joe (Sara) Kloes, John Kloes, Randy Kloes, and son-in-law Brad Geenen; her brother, Jim (Sandy) Hughes; her sister, Shari (Jerry) Engel; her sister-in-law, Janet Hughes; cherished grandchildren: Amanda, Jenny, Katie, Natalie, Brett, Sierena, Kailah, McKenah, Brohden, Khai, Courtney, Ashley, Ben, Hunter, Emma, Joey, Cassidy, Cricket, and Piper; 17 beloved great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Wendy Geenen; her beloved grandson, Tyler Kloes; her parents, Leo and Marjorie Hughes; and her brother, Leo Hughes Jr.
Dorothy will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the love she so freely gave. Her steadfast faith, gentle heart, selfless spirit, and unwavering devotion to God, her family, and her community leave a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior, where she has surely heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her love will continue to guide and inspire those she leaves behind.
There will be a visitation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church in Lena. Mass of Christian Burial will be immediately following visitation at 11:00 AM at St. Anne with Fr. Ben Johnson officiating. Burial will be at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in Lena.
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Lena is serving the family. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.rhodescharapata.com.
