Dorothy J Fifarek

Dorothy J. Fifarek, 92, of Marinette passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2023, surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born June 21, 1930 to Lawrence and Emma Hanson and was a lifelong Marinette resident. She graduated from Marinette High School with the Class of 1948. In 1949 she met the love of her life, John "Jack" Fifarek. After their marriage they had three children, Catherine (Urbanek), Stephen and James.
In her younger years Dorothy was a lifeguard at Red Arrow Beach in Marinette. After graduating from high school she worked at Rydahl's until completing training as a nurses aide. She was employed in the nursery at Marinette General Hospital from 1954 until retiring in 1968. Dorothy later worked part time for Paczkowski Chiropractic in Menominee until 1973 when she left to provide childcare for grandkids, Scot and Chris Fifarek and Michele Bullington. When they grew up Dorothy's devotion to family led her to care for grandnephews and grandnieces, Ian and Alec Greenlund and Allison Lancour and eventually great-grandkids, Conner and Carly Fifarek and Joseph and Leanne Bullington. She may have spoiled them all terribly but Dorothy also taught them how to love and share the true meaning of strong family bonds.
Dorothy enjoyed playing cards with her sisters and brothers-in-law and loved her games of Scrabble, often acting out the words she was playing. Needless to say, it was not a dull game! She loved family get togethers for birthdays, holidays or any reason she would make up to create a special day for everyone. Not only was Dorothy beautiful on the outside, she was beautiful on the inside. Everyone that knew her loved her dearly.
She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Urbanek of Marinette and son, James (Anita) Fifarek of Menominee; grandson, Chris Fifarek of Marinette; granddaughter, Michele (David) Bullington of Knoxville, TN; great-grandkids, Conner and Carly Fifarek of Porterfield and Leanne and Joseph Bullington of Knoxville; two sisters, Marge Burns of Marinette and Shirley (Don) Hubert of Menominee; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Emma Hanson; her husband, John "Jack" Fifarek; a son, Stephen Fifarek; grandson, Scot Fifarek; a sister, Lorraine Mechalson; brother, Robert Hanson; brothers-in-law, Roger Burns and Kenneth "Buzz" Mechalson; sister-in-law, Nancy Hanson (Staal); and a nephew, Ralph Mechalson.
Visitation will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Marinette on Saturday, February 4th from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1 p.m. Vicar Katy Tomlanovich will officiate. She will be laid to rest with her beloved "Jack" at Forest Home Cemetery in Marinette.
Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the family.