Dorothy Marie Raasch

Dorothy Marie Raasch, 82, of Milwaukee entered into eternal life with her heavenly Father onWednesday, Oct. 29th, 2025, under the care of Vitas Hospice Care and their devoted daughter, Charlotte Raasch, her caregiver since September of 2019.
Dorothy was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1942, to the late Charles and Anna Krevinko, their second child of four biological children.
Dorothy graduated from Union High School in 1960 and shortly afterwards, moved to Washington D.C. with her high school girlfriends. She was employed as a telephone operator.
Dorothy met James Raasch, a dapper Marine Private, when he arrived at their apartment to meet Dorothy's roommate, Lucy, for a date. Lucy happened to be absent when James arrived, and when he met Dorothy, he was smitten! They began dating and were wed in the Naval Chapel in Washington D.C. on January 12, 1963.
On November 12, 1963, Dorothy gave birth to twins, Roberta and Charlotte, preemies. James being fresh out of his military duty, and trying to establish his career in Milwaukee, Dorothy moved to Uniontown to live with her mother and father to help care for the twins.
James visited on weekends, driving from Milwaukee to Uniontown to see his beloved Dorothy and the twins.
On May 11, 1965, Dorothy gave birth to their daughter, Cynthia. Dorothy continued to reside with her parents until early 1968, when James moved the young family back to Wisconsin. On October 25th that same year, Dorothy gave birth to their son, Bradley James.
In 1971 Dorothy and James bought their first home on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, the same home they lived in until their passing; the home they raised their four children in; the home they forged their cake business in. Little did they know that after the very first wedding cake that was baked, decorated and delivered out of that house would be the start of a thriving cake business that spanned over three decades, earning Dorothy the well-deserved moniker, 'cake lady.' I recall our neighborhood friends being envious of us kids because we ALWAYS had cakes, cupcakes, and cookies to devour for our afternoon snacks.
Not only did Dorothy serve as the cake baker, icing maker, and order taker, she was a FANTASTIC seamstress! Dorothy's craft of being a seamstress put her four children into cherished homemade clothes throughout their grade school, junior high and high school years. I, myself, have fond memories of visiting the fabric store on 76th and Mill Road with our mother to pick out a Butterick pattern, and the icing on the cake: I got to pick out the fabric for the item she was going to sew!
Dorothy always made sure the family came first. Sundays, after mass, the family would be herded off to the mall for an afternoon matinee' or to Kmart where we were allowed to pick one item under a $1 in lieu of allowance. The occasional family pizza night out at Jim's in Brookfield or the Pipe Organ. Family trips to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, etc. Short weekend trips to Iowa Riverboats, Mackinac Island, Galena, Wisconsin Dells. Cross country trips out Route 66, to the Dakotas, Branson, Arkansas, Kentucky. All of these trips were carefully planned, mapped, accommodations made and booked before the internet existed! Dorothy sure was a master planner!
As teenagers, Dorothy always found ways to entertain her children by attending concerts with them. She took the three of us girls to see the Police, the Cars, and Air Supply.
Dorothy was very fond of her sister, MaryAnn Szmik. They planned trips and traveled together frequently. Dorothy was devastated when MaryAnn passed away in May of 2009. She had so many fond memories of time spent with MaryAnn, and her family in Ohio.
In 1980, Dorothy decided to return to the workforce, earning a part-time job with Kohl's department stores where she worked in the 'Domestics' department. After several years with Kohl's, she worked briefly in a lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Sometime after, she left MCW and began working at McDonald's restaurants. She ultimately worked her way through the ranks and became a shift manager. Finally, in her latter years, she shifted gears and earned a position in the deli department with Pick n' Save stores. She enjoyed her role in the deli and was very well liked by her co-workers and managers.
Dorothy was an energetic, compassionate and loving woman. She was survived by her four children, whom she loved equally and unconditionally; Roberta Raasch-Fenner, Charlotte Raasch, Cynthia Schmoller (Joshua Wasmer), Bradley (Tracey Raasch). Three grand children: Brittany Raasch, Brandon Raasch, Jesse Fenner. Four great grandchildren; Anthony, Braxton, Alaina, and Brooks. One brother,Ronald Krevinko (Shirley), as well as, several nephews and nieces, and great nephews and nieces.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, James, her parents, Charles and Anna Krevinko, two brothers; Eugene and Theodore Krevinko, and sister, MaryAnn Szmik.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 3rd from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. with a brief service at 6 p.m. at Harder Funeral Home 18700 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI. Family and friends are welcome to a celebration of life immediately following the service at Schmidty's Bar and Grill 16755 W Lisbon Rd, Brookfield, WI.
A special thank you to the caring hospice nurses who assisted with Dorothy's care during her final days; to Charlotte Raasch for her selfless, tireless dedication and care she gave to our mother these past six years – we are forever in your debt, Sister!; to Roberta and Jesse for the countless weekend drives with our mother. We know she enjoyed those trips.
"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."
-Winnie the Pooh