Dorothy Dulmes

Dorothy Dulmes, 93, of Oostburg, went home to her Lord on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at her home.  She was born on July 19, 1927 to the late William and Marie (Potter) Hoftiezer in Sheboygan.

Dorothy met Ralph Dulmes, the love of her life at CE (Christian Endeavor) at Gibbsville Reformed Church.  Their friendship progressed into love and the two became one on August 13th, 1947.   Together, they raised five children in a blessed and loving household.   She was a homemaker for most of her life, and was a member of the local Homemakers Club for many years.

She loved music, especially singing hymns.  She reminisced not long ago of her class working on a song for their 8th grade graduation.  Apparently having a love of music wasn't enough, as her teacher suggested she just mouth the words.  With Ralph's great vocal talent, it shows that opposites DO attract.

Dorothy was a  lifelong and active member of Gibbsville Reformed Church, being a part of CE, Beacon Lights, Bethany Circle and numerous bible studies. Through these activities and more, she had a large circle of friends that she regularly stayed in touch with, either going out to eat together, sending cards or numerous phone calls.  She enjoyed visiting shut-ins and, at 93 years old, was the designated driver for her friends who were home and nursing home bound.

She loved a good bonfire... the bigger, the better!  She never could leave a good fire alone and always had her 'poking stick' right next to her.  She was talented in many crafts from baking, sewing, knitting and the painting of more ceramic bunnies than we can count.  She enjoyed her flower gardens and had a green thumb for getting her orchids to bloom multiple times.  She was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed feeding the birds, critters and crows in her "back forty".   While Ralph was alive, she loved the thrill of flying and had even taken flying lessons from him when they were younger.

Dorothy is survived by her three daughters, Nancy (Angus) Schocko of Oostburg, Barb (Larry) LeMahieu of Sheboygan, and Laurie Turner of Mebane, NC; two sons, Dale (Betty) Dulmes of Cape Coral, FL and Mark (Joy) Dulmes of Holland, MI; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister, Ruth Hinz; brother, Bill Hoftiezer; sisters-in-law, Angie Hoftiezer and Ann (Mark) Eggebeen, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; brothers, Henry (Frances) Hoftiezer, Allen (Lois) Hoftiezer, Kenneth (Dorothy) Hoftiezer, David Hoftiezer, William Hoftiezer Jr., infant Hoftiezer; sisters, Carol (Miles) Sandee, Marian (Tom) Friedrichs, Vivian Hoftiezer; brother-in-law, James Hinz; sisters-in-law, Marlene Hoftiezer, Viola (Donald) Chvarak

A memorial service to celebrate Dorothy’s life will be held at Gibbsville Reformed Church on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00. If unable to attend, all are welcome to join via livestream by visiting wenig.live/DorothyDulmes . Burial will take place at Oostburg Cemetery.

Family and friends may greet the family at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Campus Life and Gibbsville Reformed Church Library.

Family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care of Dorothy.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com

The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Dulmes family.