Dorothy Perschbacher Kassilke

Dorothy Perschbacher Kassilke

Dorothy Perschbacher Kassilke, age 99, of Wauwatosa, WI, passed away peacefully in her home, October 24, 2025, with family by her side. Dorothy was born March 3, 1926, in Milwaukee WI. She attended Lawrence College in Appleton, WI, earning a BA in English Literature in 1948. Dorothy was listed in Who's Who Among Students for her outstanding scholastic achievement and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

On December 30, 1950, Dorothy married Gordon Kassilke, a student in Lawrence's Conservatory of Music, who graduated and taught vocal music in Tomahawk, WI and the Wauwatosa school system for 37 years. Dorothy was a devoted stay-at-home mother for many years. She also worked from home as the executive secretary for the Milwaukee Audubon Society and later worked part time for a real estate appraisal company until her husband retired.

Dorothy loved her family, cooking, gardening, the beauty of the natural world, and travel. She had a lifelong love of learning and an indomitable playful spirit. In retirement, Dorothy and Gordon enjoyed camping in the U.S. and took several trips to Europe. For their Golden Wedding celebration, they traveled to Italy to revisit areas where Gordon had served in the U.S. Army after WWII.

Dorothy was a kind and generous person. She was a member of P.E.O. and the Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church. Her concern for those in need showed in her generous support of dozens of charities that improve the lives of people around the world. She also supported conservation organizations in their work to protect the environment.

Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Gordon and daughter Karen. She is survived by daughter Gail Kingsbury, son Kent, grandson David (Alison) Kingsbury, granddaughter Emilie Kingsbury, great grandson Gideon Kingsbury, and great granddaughter Krista Kingsbury. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation Wednesday, November 5 from 2:00 PM until time of Service at 3:00 PM at WAUWATOSA AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1600 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the church would be appreciated.

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