obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00
Dorothy
Dorothy
Klemmer
Born to Eternal Life on Monday, May 25th, 2026, age 88 years. Loving wife of the late William. Dear mother of Anita(John) Steindorf, Katie Klemmer, William Jr.(Tamara) Klemmer, and C.J.(the late Jean) Klemmer. Dear grandma of Maggie(Andy), Katie(Samir), Matthew, and Jack Steindorf; William III and Sarah Klemmer, and C.J. Klemmer Jr. Great Grandmother of Luca and Liam Patel. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dorothy (nee Kools) was born in Appleton, WI the youngest of four children. She attended St. Mary’s Menasha high school and was a proud graduate of Mount Mary University with a double major in english and drama. It was during college that she met her husband of 52 years, Bill.
Dorothy was a homemaker to Bill and their four children until the late 1960s when together she and Bill founded The Pizza Patio. Pizza Galore soon followed as did their purchase of The Alpine Retreat in 1969. In 1977 Dorothy and Bill focused all their attention on their new venture, Klemmer’s Williamsburg Inn, later known as Klemmer’s Banquet Center, which became a successful dining and event venue until its sale in 2021.
During her tenure at Klemmer’s Dorothy became a certified executive chef. She was active at WCTC, on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation, was a member of the American Culinary Federation and on the board of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra League. She was voted Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and was even invited to lobby in Washington DC on behalf of the association.
Memorials can be made in Dorothy’s name to the WRA Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, 2801 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713.
A visitation will be held Saturday, June 6th from 9:30AM-11AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 12700 W. Howard Ave., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. Private Entombment Mt. Olivet.
Keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts as you grieve and also celebrate Dorothy’s life.
With sympathy
A remarkable family, because of Bill and Dorothy. Their daughter Katie is a reflection of them in every way. Caring, loving, unselfish to a fault and integrity personified!
CJ, & Bill,
I am so sad to hear of the loss of your mom. You must be very proud of her professional accomplishments & at the same time she was an incredible wife, parent & person! I know this from knowing the two of you & the wonderful people you are. Sending love & support as you grieve the loss of her presence in your life.. Maureen
CJ and family my prayers are with you and your loving family I will miss my friend Dorothy always enjoyed our time together during my visits to Milwakee. Rest in peace Dorothy 🙏
To The Family of Dorothy please accept my sincere condolences. I got to know Dorothy through the WRA-EF Board. I worked with Dorothy to hold a fundraiser for ProStart (Chili Cook-Off) at the Banquet hall. She has always been a tremendous supporter of the industry as well as the future of our industry. May she rest in peace knowing she has impacted so many lives.
I am very sorry for your loss. She was an exceptional person and will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to all family members. It was always a pleasure when I was able to visit and chat with Dorothy. What an amazing woman! I will truly miss
Her laugh and smile.