Dorene L. Disch

1932 - 2025

Dorene L. Disch

January 19, 1932 - November 7, 2025

NEW GLARUS - Dorene L. Disch, born January 19, 1932, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Pius and Meta (Marty) Buesser, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Dorene grew up in the scenic countryside of New Glarus, attending Legler Valley School and graduating from New Glarus High School. She continued her education at Madison Vocational School, preparing for a lifelong career of dedicated service.

Dorene spent much of her career with the United States Postal Service, faithfully serving New Glarus for almost 27 years. Her warm smile and kind heart made her a beloved and familiar face in the community. During her career, she also worked at Kubly-Richert Chevrolet, State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, Peoples Bank of Coloma, Bank of Westfield, and Wisconsin Teachers Credit Union (WEA).

She was blessed with three wonderful loves in her life. Dorene married Robert Moldenhauer in 1951, and although their years together were limited due to his untimely passing in 1959, their love remained a cherished part of her life and blessed her with two beautiful children. In 1963, she married Delmar Disch, sharing 31 fantastic years of raising children, enjoying community events and traveling together. Later in life, she found companionship and love once more when she married Howard Severson in 2006.

Dorene was a lifelong member of the Swiss United Church of Christ, where she found community, faith, and fellowship throughout her life. She found great joy in connecting with others – playing cards, attending sporting events-especially those involving her children and grandchildren, dining out with friends and family, and traveling. She enjoyed gardening – with a special love for flowers. She was also known for her love of music and dancing, often seen spinning across the dance floor of the New Glarus Hotel. Her zest for life and love for family and friends was evident in everything she did.

Dorene is survived by her daughter Sharon Darrow (Bill Tomkins) and her son Larry (Laura) Moldenhauer. She was a proud grandmother to four granddaughters: Marcy (Derek) Dahlk, Mindy (Chris) Wetzel, Marta (Shawn Kneeland) Darrow, and Stephanie (Troy) Loether; and two grandsons: Chris (Madilen) Ripp and David (Holly) Ripp. Her love and legacy continue through her thirteen great-grandchildren: Lucy and Ruby Dahlk, Cora Wetzel, Ava Kneeland, Tiara, Chloe, Tianna, Isaac, and Ephraim Loether, Kennedy and Brock Ripp, and Henry and Liam Ripp.

Dorene was preceded in death by her parents, Pius and Meta Buesser; her first husband, Robert Moldenhauer; her second husband, Delmar Disch, and their infant daughter, Marcy Sue; her third husband, Howard Severson; and her brother, Donny Buesser.

Dorene will be remembered for her resilience, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Our family would like to thank the staff at New Glarus Home and Agrace for the care and support you provided. Your compassion and kindness brought comfort during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI.

A gathering of relatives and friends will precede the memorial service from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com