Dorothy May McElroy

1933 - 2026

Oregon, WI - Dorothy May (Winch) McElroy, age 92, entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 2, 2026, passing away peacefully at Sienna Crest Meadows Memory Care Facility in Oregon, Wisconsin. She was born on July 3, 1933, in Arena, Wisconsin.

Dorothy was born at home on her family dairy farm in Arena, WI to Lee and Lillian Winch. She was raised with strong family values and a deep faith that guided her throughout her life. She grew up alongside her siblings, David Winch, Gary Winch, Lois Bavery and Arthur Winch.

She attended Oregon High School in Oregon, Wisconsin, graduating in 1951. On March 8, 1952, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, John "Jack" McElroy. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Evansville in 1952, where they established their home, raised their family, and built a life rooted in faith, love, and service.

Dorothy's Christian faith was the foundation of her life. For more than fifty years, she was a devoted member of the Evansville United Methodist Church, where she faithfully attended worship services, cherished fellowship with her church family, and joyfully shared her gift of song. She answered God's call to serve with humility and dedication, always among the first to assist with church luncheons. Each Fourth of July, she faithfully participated in baking and selling pies in the park alongside her dear friend, "Juna Nimz", raising funds in support of the church's mission and ministries. Dorothy was known for being soft-spoken, kind, compassionate, and deeply supportive of others. She lived by the belief in "killing people with kindness," and her life reflected quiet grace and a true servant's heart. Her faith guided her actions, and she consistently placed the needs of others before her own.

Dorothy lived out her faith through a lifetime of service to others. She was a founding member of the Evansville Ecumenical Care Closet and played an important role in the early efforts to establish the Evansville Golf Course. Her servant's heart was further reflected in her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, her involvement in the Red Hat Society, and her dedication to reading to elementary students at Levi Leonard Elementary School in Evansville. Through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith, Dorothy left a lasting legacy of love and service within her church and community.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She is survived by her children, Mike McElroy, Patrice Krause, and Scott (Lynae) McElroy; her grandchildren, Jennie (Jay), Amanda (Matt), and Matt (Marisol); her great-grandchildren, Jadon, Jordyn, and Meilani; and her siblings, Lois Bavery and Arthur Winch, nieces, nephews and cousins, dear friend "Jean Meredith". Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Lee Winch; her brothers, David Winch and Gary Winch; her daughter, Jill; and her husband, John "Jack" McElroy.

Dorothy especially cherished time spent with her family. She found great joy in caring for children, babysitting, and sharing time with family friends and their children. She was known as "Gramma Mac" to many children in town she enjoyed attending sporting and community events, as well as reading, gardening, walking, and listening to music Dorothy was also an enthusiastic supporter of Wisconsin athletics and a loyal fan of the Packers and Badgers, she really liked the UW "Band" the best. With gentle humor, she often remarked that after observing the passion and animated enthusiasm of her two sons and husband during Wisconsin sporting events, she could never quite understand why they had not pursued careers as football coaches.

Dorothy held a special love for the holidays and took great joy in making Christmas a meaningful and memorable season for her family. She cherished the tradition of hosting Christmas Day dinner, welcoming loved ones into her home with generosity and warmth. She truly believed that Christmas was a time for giving.

Dorothy's legacy of faith, kindness, service, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donations may be made to the Evansville Ecumenical Care Closet in Dorothy's name.

Please join us in wearing 'Red' in honor of the Badgers and the Red Hat Society to the service on January 29th.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home, Evansville. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences please visit www.wardhurtley.com