Theodora "Dorie" Madala

Surrounded by her loving family, Theodora “Dorie” M. Madala, age 89, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Dorie was born in Wausaukee, WI, July 25, 1923, daughter of the late George and Josephine (Nee: Bergavoert) Kroes.

Surrounded by her loving family, Theodora “Dorie” M. Madala, age 89, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Dorie was born in Wausaukee, WI, July 25, 1923, daughter of the late George and Josephine (Nee: Bergavoert) Kroes.

On June 25, 1949 at St. Rita Catholic Church she was united in marriage to John A. Madala who preceded her in death, April 3, 1983. In her younger years she was employed by Western Publishing for nine years, last working June 7, 1949. Dorie was a lifelong and active member of St. Rita Catholic Church and belonged to Christian Mothers and the Third Order of St. Augustine. She was also a member of Siena Center Auxiliary, St. Monica’s Auxiliary, affiliate of the Augustine Order, and member of The Blue Army of Our Lady. Dorie will be fondly remembered as a grand lady with a strong devotion to her faith, wonderful witty sense of humor, and a huge heart who loved all. Most of all she cherished time with her family, grandchildren, and many close friends. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Sandy Nielsen (Dan) Hoaglund, Bill Madala (Julie Palm), Tom (Val) Madala, Greg (Denise) Madala, Tom Hernke “half dala”, all of Racine; her eight grandchildren, Kris (Ernie) Harmsen, Cory (Jennifer) Nielsen, Jerod Madala, Ashley Madala, Leeza Madala, Natalie Madala, Britani (Sam) D’Alie, Rachele (Edward) Perez; six great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Ted (Lorrie) Kroes, Paul Kroes, Mary Zerzanek, Josephine Polcin; sisters-in-law, Pat Kroes, Elaine Kroes; many nieces, nephews, special friend, Maureen Pestka; and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her son, Richard; son-in-law Lee Nielsen; brothers, Hank, Bert, John (Pat), George (Rose); sister-in-law, Louise Kroes; brothers-in-law, Rudolph Zerzanek and John Polcin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 7, 2013, 6:00 P.M. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating, assisted by Deacon Russell Missureli. Private entombment will be held at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at church from 4:00 P.M. until 5:45 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 5:45 P.M. Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church or to St. Monica’s Rosary Walkway have been suggested.

A very special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints ICU for their loving and compassionate care.