Loretta E. Dombrowski

Loretta E. Dombrowski (Whitlow), affectionately known as Smokey or Retta, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the age of 86. Born on November 19, 1938, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Caroline (Ratajczyk) and Richard Whitlow and was the youngest of five children. Loretta lived a life filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.

Loretta was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Gerald Dombrowski, with whom she shared an incredible 66 years of marriage. Throughout her life, she embodied the essence of family and nurtured close relationships with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (John) Lang; her grandson, Joshua (Trevin) Overby-Lang; and her granddaughter, Melissa (Amy) Pasch-Lang. Additionally, she found immense joy in the smiles of her great-grandchildren, Logan, Echo, Lassen, Colter, and Kenai.

A woman who truly loved to celebrate life, Loretta was known as the life of every party and event she attended. Her warm and welcoming personality endeared her to many, and she had a remarkable ability to befriend everyone she met. Loretta’s devotion to her family was unwavering; she derived immense pride from being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, creating lasting memories with each playful moment spent with her daughter and grandchildren.

Loretta is also remembered for her close relationship with her bonus daughter and niece, Bonnie (the late Joe) Alvarez. She is survived by other cherished nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will carry her memory forward.

A visitation to honor Loretta's life will be held on March 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Greenridge Chapel located at 4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, Wisconsin. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at the same location from 1:00 PM. Burial at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin, WI.

As we remember Loretta, we celebrate a life richly lived, devoted to family, and filled with heartfelt connections. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.