Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
1938
2014
Socha, Dorothy
Dorothy Mae Socha (nee Ziemer), of Neenah, age 76, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Cherry Meadows Hospice. She was born March 27, 1938 in Oconto, WI, daughter of the late Emil and Marie Ziemer.
Dorothy graduated from Oconto High School. She married Lester Socha on April 7, 1958 in Oconto and had 6 beautiful children. Dorothy worked as a school bus driver and school cook for 10 years. She and Les operated Socha's Place for 20 years. Most recently she spent much of her time at St. Vincent DePaul's in Neenah.
Dorothy was active in the community and church, especially St. Patrick's, all her life. She volunteered at the Self Help Prison Program for 26 years and offered hospital communion for more than 25 years. Dorothy was a member of the Theda Clark Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed golf and attending all her grandchildren's events and activities. Besides visiting the elderly, her volunteer activities are too numerous to mention.
Survivors include her children: Rita (Jim) Haapapuro, Greg (Tracy) Socha, Theresa (Mike Beckerson) Tesch, Randy (Patti) Socha, Cindy (Dean) Rieckmann and son-in-law Tom Anderson; 16 grandchildren: Daniel, Ben, Stephen, Christina, Michael (Heather), Tim, Kelsey, Jason, Tate (Bridget), Nathan, Luke, Jenni, Jacob, Zach, Rebecca and Allison; great grandchildren, Turner and Liam (due in September); siblings Elaine Cullen, Joan Erieau, Ronny (Jan) Ziemer, Mary (Harold) Nehls, and Martha Ziemer; in-laws John Gallagher, Norma Socha, Lorraine Socha and Leroy (Marlene) Socha; and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, and daughter, Anita Anderson; siblings Robert Ziemer, Dolores Gallagher, Margaret (Arnie) Burkard; in-laws Bill Cullen, Richard Erieau, Louie Socha, Leo Socha, Jr., Leonard (Lorraine) Socha, Lawrence (Cora) Socha, Dave Socha, Leona (George) Miller.
Dorothy hosted many family holiday events in her caring style. Her family already misses her dearly.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 320 Nicolet Blvd., Menasha with Rev. Michael Ingold officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. She will be interred at a later date, joining her husband at Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery at King.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online Condolences:
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Five years and still miss you Dorothy. Lots. Thought of you last night. You were a hard loss for me and I think Ronnie too. But dear sister, I know you are still offering your love to others and so I send my love to you dear sister and want you to know you are not forgotten.
Marty Zimer
Sister
June 29, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Dorothy was such a good friend to my mother and family (Jandoureks), and will always be remembered.
Debbie Moore
July 20, 2014
Dear all,
I just found out about Dorothy's passing this morning. I am so very sorry to hear that she is no longer with us. Dorothy was an amazing woman who endured so much and loved and served so many! I am with you all in your sorrow. With much love, Nancy Meyer-Emerick
July 12, 2014
Dorothy was so special in so many ways.
There will be a hole in our Bible Study class that will not be filled.
What a beautiful funeral you had Dorothy. I felt it an honor to be there and to serve the food to your guests.
Joanie Howe
July 9, 2014
Theresa, Patti & Randy and family - saddens me to hear of your loss - the heavens a gaining a great lady.
Jean Damozonio
July 7, 2014
So sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing. She was one of the happiest people I know and both her and Les made working for them at the bar a lot of fun!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Jane Potter-Meulemans
July 7, 2014
Theresa and family, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your mom always had a smile when I would see her. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you.
Barb (Waldoch) Howe
July 7, 2014
To Dorothy's family:
So sorry to hear about your loss...I am sure she will be sadly missed..went to grade school (Elm Grove) with the Ziemers
Glenn Van Hulle
July 7, 2014
Dorothy seemed to be always smiling and had a kind word for everyone. She touched many people's lives with her volunteering. We are better people for having known her. She is resting in our loving Savior's arms. May God grant her family the strength they need to get through this hard time.
Rick & Denise Mullard
July 7, 2014
Randy and family, We were saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers. -- OEC Graphics, Inc. employees (Appleton and Oshkosh)
July 7, 2014
I worked for many years with Dorothy at St. Vins and for American Legion projects. It would be hard to think of someone who was more giving of herself, but even if she had not been so generous with her time and efforts her friendship and kind spirit would still be greatly missed. Goodbye Dorothy
Dave Schmidli
July 7, 2014
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Dorothy used to sit next to my mom at times during their chemo therapy sessions and she always had a big smile on her face and made my mom feel so comfortable. She seems like she was a great lady. God Bless all of you.
Lori Nelson
July 7, 2014
We miss you so much Dorothy. You are more than a mom, you are a friend. I am so sad you are not with us, and at the same time I know you are with Les and Anita and your Savior. You will always be with us and a part of our lives.
Patti Socha
July 7, 2014
Sorry to hear about your loss. One wonderful woman. In our prayers. God bless, Les & Debbie Simon
July 6, 2014
We're so sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing. My husband worked with Les at Graco MANY years ago and we had so many good times with Les and Dorothy throughout the years. We were lucky to have them join us for a reunion of 7 of the Graco Computer Systems Department guys and their wives in 2006 - a great time of reminiscing. Our sympathies are with you at this time.
Del and Bobbie Seehafer, Fort Ripley, Minnesota
July 6, 2014
My deepest sympathy to all. Aunt Dorothy was such a caring, wonderful and loving person. We will all miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you go through this difficult time.
Maureen Socha
July 6, 2014
So sorry for our loss. She was a lovely lady. We spent many happy hours at Socha's. RIP Dorothy.
Lynn & Barbara Clough
July 6, 2014
Good times remembered on 4th St. Our condolences to all the family
Charles & Nancy Costello
July 6, 2014
Dave Stankowski
July 6, 2014
Greg, Rita, Randy, Theresa & Cindy;
so sorry for the loss of your Mom, and your kid's Grandma. I have such happy memories of Aunt Dorothy's smile and laugh and kindness. She will be missed by so many. Patti Cullen
July 5, 2014
To the Socha Family, Dorothy was an amazing Lady! That is really an understatement! She will be missed so much. Our prayers & thoughts to your family. Mary & Tom Koslowski & Family
Mary & Tom Koslowski
July 5, 2014
Dearest Dorothy.
I guess it is right that only the good die you. hopefully you will save a place for the rest of us and enjoy the company of Margaret and Anita…..and so many others.
You are loved---- oh so much Dorothy, sister.
Loving kindness and compassion
Marty
Marty Ziemer
July 5, 2014
so sorry to hear our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time
Dan and Peggy Johnson
July 5, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Dorothy's family. My Mother (Linda Rohm)talks so highly of her and I just wanted you all to know that she is going to be deeply missed by many.
Lu Ann Monroe
July 5, 2014
Dorothy was a n amazing women. Putting everyone else first. Being there for everyone needs. I am so happy that I was able to have known her.You had a wonderful mother. Enjoy the memories.
Linda Rohm, Winneconne
July 5, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family. Aunt Dorothy was one amazing woman. She was always so caring and always taking care of everyone. I will always remember her warm smile and hardworking attitude. She was someone to mentor and admire. I know she will be missed by her wonderful children and anyone who knew her. She will always be in my prayers and heart. God called his angel home to join her family already in heaven.
Carol Van
July 5, 2014
Tammy Stankowski
July 5, 2014
Socha Family
I was also so happy to see the beautiful smile on her face and so thoughtful to others,
A friend from Church
T.H
July 5, 2014
Terry, Tate & Family
So sorry to hear of your mom and grandmother's passing.
Prayers and thoughts are with you
Sandy Wheeler
July 5, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman. Her faith was strong and she lived it everyday. The world is a better place because of her.
Laneh Johnston
July 4, 2014
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more