Dorothy K. Chandler

Dorothy Krenke Chandler, of Appleton, age 87, completed her journey into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She was the youngest child of the late Arnold and Esther (Potratz) Krenke, born in Clintonville, on September 13, 1938. On October 19, 1957 she married her high school sweetheart, David Chandler, and they spent almost 68 years together. Dorothy's creative abilities led her into careers of Decorating and Selling Real Estate; she and Dave always had a remodeling project going. Her wanderlust (a trait she passed down to her children) brought her to Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Holy Land, Caribbean Islands, and she explored the United States from sea to shining sea. Her passion, though, was to witness to her family and friends about her Lord Jesus; which led her to volunteer with Prayer Chain at church for over 40 years, Jail Ministry in Outagamie County, and Victim Crisis Response for the Appleton Police Department. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton; and also actively participated in Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Flour Bluff, TX for the years she and Dave would spend winters on nearby Mustang Island, TX.

She will be dearly missed by her children: Tammi (Paul) Rooyakkers; Jodi (Bruce) Smith; Terry (Anita) Chandler; grandchildren: Andy (Jennifer), Kimberly (Matt), Melonnie, Rachel, Jason, Christopher, Benjamin, Zachary and Isabelle; great-grandchildren: Madelaine, Dylan, Brekka, Grace, Fletcher, Owen, Betsy and Paul; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David, their daughter, Karri, her older siblings, Walter (Marie) Krenke, Gertrude (Arnold) Heideman, Lucille (William) Pethke, Evelyn (Norman) Rosenow, and her Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Claude and Beulah (Holmes) Chandler.

Dorothy's funeral service will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Avenue, Appleton (a site different than David's recent funeral), on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11am. Dorothy loved color and laughter; feel free to wear bright colors to celebrate her life. The visitation will be on Friday at the church from 9:30am until the time of the service. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Fox Valley Jail Ministry, or Celebration Lutheran School Playground fund.

We would like to thank the care staff of Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, and Moments Hospice (Northside team); your compassion, patience, and loving care added great comfort to both Dorothy and David's last few years.