Dorothy E. Genthe

A life-long Platteville resident, 91 year old Dorothy Elaine Genthe, passed away Tuesday April 13, 2021 at the Meadows Assisted Living Center in Fall River, WI.

Dorothy was born on May 28, 1929 to Robert and Shirley (Payne) Barker in Warren, IL. Dorothy attended grade school and high school there and graduated from the Platteville Normal School in 1951. Dorothy taught in several small country schools early in her teaching career. Her love of reading and life-long learning, led her to return to UW Platteville to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science. She worked for many years in the Cuba City School district as the elementary school librarian until her retirement in 1990.

Dorothy married John “Jack” Johanns on October 28, 1948. Together, they had two children. Jack preceded her in death on July 29, 1971. Through her work with the Auxiliary and VFW, Dorothy met Edward Hughes. They made an impressive couple on the dance floor and made a fantastic Santa and Mrs. Claus! They were married on December 30, 1990. Ed preceded her in death on October 19, 1992. Dorothy’s third marriage was to Leland “Bud” Genthe on September 24, 1994. Bud preceded her in death on July 17, 2001.

Always willing to get involved and take the lead, Dorothy was very committed to her community and was actively involved in many church and civic groups, including: the Platteville Kiwanis Club, the Platteville City Council, the Platteville Planning Committee, the Tri-State Tourism Committee, Grant County Economic Development Corporation, Southwest Regional Planning Commission, the Platteville Players Group, the Dairy Days Committee, the Embroidery Guild and volunteering at Southwest Health Center. Dorothy operated Granny’s Resale House on Main Street in Platteville, played the organ for Sunday services and many weddings and funerals at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Platteville. She loved singing with the Sweet Adeline’s and playing piano for the annual high school solo ensemble contests.

Dorothy was constantly involved with Platteville community activities. The Chamber of Commerce honored Dorothy in 1995 with the Platteville Community Service Award and with Platteville’s Lifetime Service Award in 2001. The Platteville Jaycee’s recognized her as the Woman of the Year in 1975.

She donated her time and talents by creating many craft and auction items for Wisconsin Badger Camp fundraisers, holidays, weddings, and often just for fun. During Dorothy’s sixty-three year involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5274 Ladies Auxiliary, she served as the State President of the VFW Auxiliary in 2013.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Jacquelyne (Joseph) Bodden of Marshfield, WI and her son James (Susan) Johanns of Cottage Grove, WI. Dorothy is also survived by her five grandchildren: Jocelyne Sansing (Middleton, WI), Jaime Bodden (Olympia, WA), Joseph (Abby) Bodden (Darlington, WI), Jennifer Johanns (Columbia, SC), and Michael Johanns (Cottage Grove, WI), and five great-grandchildren; Annabelle Sansing, Adrein Walker, Evelynn, Audrey and Sophie Bodden. Dorothy is also survived by two sisters, Marge Moreland and Mary Yenney and sister-in-law Beverly Barker. Dorothy was preceded in death by brothers Robert, Lawrence, Douglas and James Barker and sisters Nancy Barker, Shirley Rowe and Margaret Kase.

The Jensen Funeral Home in Columbus, WI and the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville is assisting the family. The visitation for Dorothy Genthe will be held Sunday, April 18, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Platteville. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the church with funeral services immediately following. The family asks that face masks be worn. Memorials in Dorothy’s name may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 200 Broadway Street, Platteville WI 53818, or the organization of your choice.