Dorothy F. Gerue

Dorothy Fern (Rasmussen) Gerue passed away on December 6, 2018 at Unity Hospice Residence. She was born on September 30, 1936 in Menomoniee, MI to Martin and Rose (Hendricksen) Rasmussen. She graduated from Stephenson (MI) High School. She received her Rural Education Degree at Western Michigan University. She married Lawrence "Larry" Gerue on June 14, 1958 at the Stephenson Methodist Church. They settled in the Milwaukee area where she taught for several years in the New Berlin Public School system. In 1973 the family moved to Ashwaubenon.

Dorothy was extremely proud of her Danish ancestry and she spent several years writing and sharing with family members a detailed history of the Rasmussen and Hendricksen families. She also wrote about life on the family farm and the joys and hardships of growing up with her parents and four brothers and sisters in which Dorothy was the youngest. Dorothy's parents encouraged their children not to marry into a farming family-none of them did. They were successful with one becoming a lawyer, three teachers and a nurse. Remember, in the 1940's and 50's, women were essentially limited to teaching or nursing as a professional career.

Dorothy and Larry were avid trail bikers, traveling all over WI biking and walking the many trails. Their favorite was the Red Cedar River Trail in Menomonie, WI where they could enjoy watching the many eagles nesting along the river. She and Larry spent many weekends in Door County biking and walking the beautiful trails as well as antiquing. Dorothy was also very proud of her garden and numerous fresh vegetables to enjoy. She was adept at crocheting and embroidery. Dorothy was active in the Democratic Party and attended several state conventions. She was always willing to help Democratic candidates walking door to door, stuffing envelopes and making phone calls. She was a Democratic Party poll worker for 27 years in Ashwaubenon until her arthritis forced her to give this up.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by Larry, daughter Cynthia (Joe) O'Brien, son Karl; and her grandchildren, Erin (Matthew) McCarthy and Evan O'Brien. Dorothy is survived by sisters-in law, Alberta Rasmussen and Judith (Jim) Bastien, brother-in-law, Joseph Morin and numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Thomas Rasmussen, sisters, Martha Cassidy, Rosena Morin and Marian Jones and sister-in-law, Jeanette Gerue and brother-in-law, Floyd Cassidy.

Dorothy has been a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church where she was very active and served on many committees. A funeral service will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church (1110 Echo Lane, Ashwaubenon, WI) on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11am with Rev. Robb McClintock and longtime friend retired Rev. Patrick Green officiating. Burial will be held on a date to be determined at the Stephenson, MI Township cemetery in the Danish Section.

In lieu of flowers, we urge you to make a donation to the Unity Hospice in Dorothy's memory.

Dorothy's family wants to express our most sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the Unity Hospice residence for the outstanding care she received during the final stage of her illness.

"To share a memory of Dorothy or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below."