Dorothy Neilson

Dorothy M. Neilson, age 99 of New London, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Trinity Terrace in New London. Dorothy was born in Bear Creek on January 13, 1926 to the late Arthur and Vivian (Zell) Below. She was baptized on April 23, 1926 and confirmed in April 1939. Dorothy attended Elm Dale School and graduated from Clintonville High School. She went on to attend Central State Teacher's College in Steven Point, graduating in 1946. A year later, on August 6, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert J. Neilson and together they celebrated 50 years of marriage before his death on January 8, 1998. After six years of teaching, they were blessed with two children, Barbara (David) Neumann and Paul (Tamie) Neilson and then Dorothy became a stay-at-home mom. In 1960 she joined her husband opening the business, TV Pliance Center, Inc. in New London and continued on after his death, with her son Paul. Dorothy was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London, where she taught Sunday school, substitute taught in the school, was a member of the Emanuel Couples Club and enjoyed attending Bible classes. Dorothy was also a charter member of the New London Lionettes and served on several boards. She liked to stay busy by playing bridge and other card games with her "card playing" family and friends. Dorothy was an avid reader and loved to cook and bake for her family and friends.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Barbara (David) Neumann and Paul (Tamie) Neilson; grandchildren, Lynn (Justin) Eugate, Amy (Rusty) Wendlandt, Anne (Greg) Ortmeier and Joel (Katie) Neumann; great-grandchildren, Emily, Evelyn, Eleanor and Gus Eugate, Kennedy (Nathan) and Isobelle Wendlandt, Grayson and Lexi Neumann and Micah, Silas and Autumn Ortmeier, along with numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers, Ellsworth (Jeanette) Below and Delmar (Florence) Below; sisters, Marion (Leonard) Schneider and Ann (Glenn) Behnke and sisters-in-law, Elaine (James) Arneson and Virginia Neilson.
The Funeral Service for Dorothy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Pastor Mark Tiefel. The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at Trinity Terrace and ThedaCare Hospice, along with family and friends, who visited Dorothy throughout the last several months.