Lorna Dumke

The former Lorna Mae (Klinner) Dumke passed away on June 19, 2025, in Appleton, WI. She was born on April 5, 1933 (election day) at home in the village of Tigerton, WI, and was the youngest daughter of Louis and Anna (Krull) Klinner. She was baptized on April 30, 1933, at Zion Lutheran Church in Tigerton. She graduated from the Banner School in the town of Morris and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wittenberg by Rev. Carl Musall on April 14, 1946. She graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1950, attended Stevens Point College for two years and also received her teaching degree. She later completed her bachelor's in science degree on August 8, 1969, by going to Saturday classes, weekly classes, and two summer schools.
Her marriage to Lyle Dumke was performed by Rev. Carl Musall at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Wittenberg on June 18, 1955.They raised three children, Larry, Lou Ann, and Lee while farming in the Bowler and Tilleda area for 51 years. They did this until moving to Shawano in 2006. Lyle and Lorna enjoyed going to their cottage on Crane Lake for 25 years. She enjoyed being an elementary school teacher and did so for almost 40 years in the Portage and Shawano County schools. The longest being 33 years in the Marion School District including Leopolis and Caroline. Lorna was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Tilleda since 1955. She was an active participant, serving as the treasurer of the Women's Group for many years as well as the Altar Guild, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. Lorna was also a 4-H Leader. She was a member of the Shawano County Teachers Assoc., the Shawano County Historical Society and the Bowler Historical Society. Lorna enjoyed being a member of the Sheepshead Club, Rummy, Smear, and Domino clubs and the TOPS WI1867. In her free time, she liked reading, crocheting and baking. She was especially known for her delicious Poppy Seed torte and Graham Cracker pies. Overall, her favorite thing was spending quality time with her family and friends.
She is survived by: her children, Larry (Lisa) Dumke, of Bowler, Louie and her kitties (Nelson and Floydd), of Neenah, and Lee (Jean) Dumke, of Bowler; grandchildren, Jesse Dumke, of Madison, Amanda (Victor) Murray, of Duluth, MN, Jay Richards, of Madison, Bill (Beth) Dumke, of Clearwater, MN, Mike (Rachel) Dumke, of La Crosse; great-grandchildren, Aibhilin (Avie), Olena (Lolly), Arlen (Arlo) Murray, of Duluth, MN, Landon and Bryce Richards, of Madison, Eli, Hudson and one on the way Dumke, of La Crosse; her sisters-in-law, Joy Buhrandt, of Little Suamico, Bonnie Hoffman, of Appleton. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends Joan Wohler, Kathy Million and Bonnie Maas
Lorna was preceded in death by: her husband Lyle, her parents Louis and Anna; her siblings, Adeline Hazlett, Hilbert Klinner, Elaine Beyersdorf; her sisters-in-law Carol Klinner and Tori Wedman; her grandsons, Nathan Dumke, Curtis Dumke; her brothers-in-law, Leonard Preuss, Evan Wedman, August Buhrandt Jr., and Wilfred Beyersdorf; her mother and father-in-law, Charles and Edna Dumke. She is further preceded in death by her good friends Bob Wohler and Sid Maas Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 27, 2025, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Tilleda with Vicar Jim Hartleben officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Emmanuel Cemetery. Visitation will be held at church on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of service.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the following medical staff and teams for their great care of Lorna: Theda Care nursing staff including Jasmin, Crystal, Tammy, Brett and Taylor; the ER and Ambulance teams; Dr. Oleg and Dr. Paul.
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made out to Peace Lutheran Church of Tilleda.
Shawano Location