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James E. Dottke

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West Allis Central High School Indiana University Wayne State University Dottke High School

FUNERAL HOME

Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd.

9445 West 31st St

Brookfield, Illinois

James Dottke Obituary

James E. Dottke

Oak Park, IL - James passed away in Chicago on September 6, 2020. Survived by daughters Lea Ann Dottke (Paula Hanley) and Jane Carol Arthurs. James was preceded in death by his wife Nancy (nee Malchow) and son-in-law Michael Arthurs.

Jim spent over 35 years teaching, coaching, serving as Athletic Director and Principal at West Allis Central High School. The James E. Dottke High School in West Allis serves as a legacy to his commitment to all students. He earned degrees from Wisconsin State College at Oshkosh and Indiana University and a graduate certificate from Wayne State University. Jim loved his time with the Tripoli Shriner Motor Corps, driving in numerous parades and volunteering at American Legion events with Nancy.

In accordance with Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place with private interment at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago or the Myelodysplastic Foundation. Sadly Missed But Never Forgotten.

Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, www.HitzemanFuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Sep. 15 to Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Dottke

Sponsored by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd..

17 Entries

A graduate

October 7, 2022

What a great legacy. He has help many troubled teens in the WAWM school district.

Patricia Kerhin

September 18, 2020

Jim was a wonderful educator who left a great legacy in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. Remembered fondly by many students, parents and staff members, it was a wise choice to name our Alternative High School after him. Sincere sympathy to Jim’s family from a former school board member and parent of 4 children who graduated from WA Central HS.

Chris Solowicz Robel

September 18, 2020

Lee Ann & Jane, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Many good memories of 96th Street. My husband was a member of Tripoli Motor Corps and we would meet your parents at parades. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Greg Goelz

September 18, 2020

As the proud principal of James E. Dottke High School, I would like to send my sincere condolences to his family on his passing.

Our dedicated staff, that has now grown to about 20 people, has always respected and honored the foundation that Jim created for our school, his school. For over 38 years, we have prided ourselves in offering intentionally different and personalized educational opportunities for students that do not fit into the traditional high school model. We are dedicated to continuing to serve every one of our students in a way that will help them find their true passions and live life on their own terms as positive members of their community.

I think Jim would be proud to hear that we have recently shifted to a project-based learning model for all of our students, one that includes students actively doing something with what they've learned. Doing things that improve themselves, their school, their community or the world. From what I have heard about Jim from Peter Kraker, who is still actively involved with our school, this hands on, authentic learning is what Jim created many, many years ago. Way back to a time where Dottke HS students had a greenhouse garden and built wooden canoes.

We are proud to have our school named after Jim and will continue to service the community in his honor. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Greg Goelz
Principal
James E. Dottke H.S.

John William Zasoba

September 18, 2020

My first year in the early 60's at West Allis Central , Coach Dottke was my Algebra teacher. In my second semester. his not giving up teachings caught up with me and BANG, I finally got it. I haven't seen the Coach in nearly 60 years, but you always remember the great ones.

Brian Thoennes

September 17, 2020

Never told this to anyone but Me. Dottke touched me in 9th grade.... said 5 words that started my growth.,."the writing is on the wall"!!! He spoke to a kid like I was a man....I never forgot him or those words !!!
I just want the family to know how he planted a seed that day and I never Forgot him !!!

Ed Mishefske

September 16, 2020

I’m saddened by Coach Dottke’s passing. He really was a great human being who never gave up on me even though most everyone Else had. I’m sure he never realized that he had an impact on my life. Even though I haven’t seen him since 1965, I’ve thought of him from time to time over the last 55 years. I’m a better person by knowing him. Rest In Peace coach, and thanks!

Jeanie Brogni (Rasmussen)

September 16, 2020

I would be remiss if I did not address this incredible man. And here is why ~ I had to repeat my Sophomore year. Which was a big wake up call. I simply wasn’t applying myself. I moved on to my senior year and completely turned it around to graduate with my class of ‘89, and all of the friends I still have today. He worked with me personally, and we met each week in his office to hold me accountable. It was a pivotal turning point in my life. On graduation day my Dad gave Jim a bottle of bourbon. And my parents thanked him profusely. He gave me the credit, but truly he was the driving force that gave me the motivation and fortitude to completely turn my life around. That learning experience is a large part of the person I am today. I’ve enclosed in the comments our picture on graduation day. He was not only an amazing person, he was also my friend.

Jeanie Brogni (Rasmussen)

September 16, 2020

Keith Franz

September 16, 2020

"Mr. Dottke" was my principal when I was at West Allis Central. He was a true leader and later I became his Masonic brother. To this day, every time I ran into him it was always Mr. Dottke. That is the kind of respect I have for him. He will be missed.

Mike Temke

September 16, 2020

I had the pleasure of knowing Jim as a student and later as a teacher doing my internship at Central and also meeting him at Elm Grove A L post for functions with the Veterans from the VA...
Also had the pleasure of knowing the girls while working at Hoover Playground...
Great people and will be missed...

Ann Nesbitt( Jungbluth)

September 16, 2020

He was a great Principle. Fair to the kids. Great Coach. Many lessons learned..many push ups in his office. RIP Mr.Dottke

Neil Getke

September 16, 2020

He was a great principal who cared about all of us from the model students to one’s who needed unique help to be successful. He was tolerant of our mischief but always gave us a way back to the fold. He always treated us fairly and earned out respect and he freely respected us. The world is a lesser place with him leaving it. We could use an army like him to lead our schools now. My condolences to his family.

September 16, 2020

Thank you for always believing there was good in us when other just did not. I was in school at the time we voted to name James Dottke alternive high school after you The school district would of closed it if not for your help and it saved my life.

Judy (Dudzik) Capen

September 16, 2020

I graduate from West Allis Central in 1977. Mr. Dottke always had a smile on his face and made you feel he was approachable at any time. He was a wonderful principal to have and will always be remembered for his warmth and kindness.

Duane Nessman

September 16, 2020

Rest in peace very memorable teacher. Algebra was my first class after we got the news of JFKs assassination in 63. He was very reassuring. Thank you for all you did for education.

Kathy (Kastello) Schultz

September 16, 2020

One of my favorite teachers. Loved his sense of humor. He’s the reason I decided to attend Oshkosh. That’s where I got my teaching degree and found my husband of now fifty years. He WILL be missed.

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