Dorothy Marie Breitenstein

Dorothy Marie Breitenstein, 76, of Knowlton, died peacefully in her home on December 19, 2024. She died as she lived, with strength and dignity, surrounded by the love and support of her family and close friends.

Born on August 29, 1948, to the late Chester and Eleanore (Guzman) Niemczyk, Dorothy grew up in Stevens Point, where she attended Catholic school and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1966. The following year, she married Lawerence Breitenstein on May 6,1967, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Stevens Point. They began their life together in Stevens Point and later built their home near Lake DuBay in Knowlton where they raised their family and have lived for nearly fifty years.

Dorothy and Larry’s family grew quickly as they welcomed their two children, Rebecca Ann and Matthew James, eight months apart in 1979 and 1980. Dorothy was a loving mother and devoted the next years of her life to being home full time with Becky and Matt until they were old enough to go to school; at this point, she returned to work at Sentry Insurance, where she was employed for more than thirty years before her retirement in 2008.

Retirement provided more opportunity for exploring interests and travel. Dorothy’s attention to detail and artistic strengths shone through in the masterpieces she created while sewing, quilting, and crafting. She would spend hours working on projects, creating gifts, and learning new skills. She also kept beautiful perennial flower and vegetable gardens and would spend days canning and preserving her own produce each year. Some of her closest friendships and best adventures grew from these experiences and provided her lasting joy and connection for the rest of her life.

In 2005, Dorothy became a grandma for the first time and was known affectionately as Nani Dorothy ever since. She deeply loved her grandchildren and was very proud of the people they have become. She attended as many athletic events and performances as possible to celebrate their successes. Because she so valued making memories, she would provide them with as many shared experiences and adventures as they could fit in. She always had time to do projects, play games, or help them with their chores. Whenever Nani Dorothy was around, there was great fun as well.

Whether with family or friends, Dorothy loved to play card games and board games. She and Larry played hundreds of games of cribbage during Covid, and she loved challenging her kids and grandkids to games of canasta, Skip-Bo, Clue, and the like. She was a fierce, intelligent competitor and always played to win. She often did come out on top, and as her grandchildren got older, most games were affectionately called “Nani wins.” Even in her final days, she found enough energy to play a few more. This time together always brought out her bright smile, infectious laugh, and spunk, which will be sorely missed. 

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry, and their beloved dog, Tia; her daughter, Becky Crowe, and son-in-law, Chris of Luck; her son, Matt Breitenstein, and his significant other, Patience Dunn, of Stevens Point; her grandchildren, Sophia, Eloise, and Ezra Crowe and Gracelyn Breitenstein; her sisters Diane (James) Wengelski of Mosinee, Delphine (Norb) Hintz of Stevens Point, Debra Jakubiak of Stevens Point, Denise (Jeff) Mullins of West Allis, and Donna Niemczyk of Custer; brothers, William Niemczyk of Berlin, Chester Niemczyk Jr. of Stevens Point, and Frank (Tricia) Niemczyk of Asheville, North Carolina; nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Eleanore (Guzman) Niemczyk, and her sisters, Darlene Niemczyk and Delores Morford.

Dorothy’s family offers their immense gratitude to Dr Onitilo and staff at the Marshfield Medical Center - River Region Cancer Center in Stevens Point for many years of compassionate care and guidance; they give additional thanks to the staff of Moments Hospice for the kindness and comfort they provided in her final days. For the close friends and family who visited, made meals, baked cookies, and offered help of all kinds, know that your presence and time brightened her days and ours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Knowlton, where Dorothy was a longtime parishioner. The Fr. James Trempe will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Knowlton. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Beste Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.