Dolores J. Bertz

Dolores Joyce Bertz, 96, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at St. Francis Home, where she had been recovering for the past two months following a hospitalization. Dolores was born on July 6, 1927, to Pearl Miller Kurzynske and Paul Kurzynske in Milwaukee, WI. Her family moved to Fond du Lac when she was very young, where she grew up surrounded by a loving extended family and friends. She attended Fond du Lac Senior High School in Fond du Lac and graduated in 1945. She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the School of Pharmacy, where she was one of only a handful of women in her class. She left the UW after two years to marry her high school sweetheart, Howard W. Bertz, on September 11, 1948. Their love and respect for each other was in the forefront of their marriage and was treasured by Dolores for her lifetime. Together they created a successful business and lovingly raised their family on Pleasant Home Farms in Fond du Lac. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who loved to spend time with her grandchildren and travel when she and Howard retired from farming. Dolores was also very involved in her church and community throughout her lifetime. She was confirmed at Immanuel Trinity Church and then became a member of Salem United Methodist Church upon her marriage. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She positively influenced the lives of many children and impressed upon her own children and grandchildren the importance of education. She was secretary of the Salem Pastor Parish Committee, belonged to Morning Glory Circle, and numerous other church groups over the years. She volunteered her time tirelessly in the kitchen for various events and demonstrated her faith through service to her church and caring for others. During her children's school years, Dolores served as the president of the Luco School PTA, as well as every other officer position. She volunteered as room mother and was always there to support her children and lend a helping hand. She served as chairwoman for the eastern Fond du Lac yearly fundraising drive for the American Cancer Society. In her free time, she enjoyed attending enrichment classes and seminars at Moraine Park Technical College and the UW-Fond du Lac campus. She was an avid reader who loved historical fiction and always enjoyed learning new things. In her later years, bird watching became a favorite pastime. Dolores is survived by her three children, Steven H. Bertz, Richard W. Bertz (Elizabeth), and Deborah B. Fowler (Jeffrey), her five grandchildren, Benjamin Bertz, Jeremiah Bertz, Jacob Fowler (Ashley), Zachary Fowler, and Alexa Bertz, and one great-grandchild, Boden Fowler. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Lorraine Schultz. Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Howard W. Bertz, mother, Pearl Miller Kurzynske, father, Paul Kurzynske, sister, Shirley Kurzynske Dibell, grandmother, Amelia Miller, aunt, Esther Miller, and uncle, Alfred Doyle, as well as many other loved ones and friends. Dolores demonstrated courage and strength in the way she lived her life and met its many challenges. She was loved and respected by many and will be remembered as the loving caretaker of her family. She will be greatly missed! VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 1:00 – 2:30 PM, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan Street, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Salem United Methodist Church, with Rev. Eliud Martinez officiating. Burial to follow at Rienzi Cemetery.

Dolores J. Bertz

July 6, 1927 - January 26, 2024