Dorethy G. Porter

Dorethy Gene Porter, 97, of Wausau went to be with her heavenly father on April 1, 2024, at home with family by her side.

She was born at home on August 7, 1926, in Evergreen, Wisconsin, to the late David and Lucy Wickersheim.  Dorethy was the oldest of 12 children growing up on a dairy farm in the White Lake area.  She was the beloved mother of seven children, the grandmother of 26, the great grandmother of 44 and the great great grandmother of 1.  Dorethy was a business owner in Wausau and took great pride in her work.

She was revered by everyone who knew her.  She was respected and appreciated for her honesty, integrity, work ethic, good cooking and love for church and family.  Dorethy was a quiet person. Providing delicious meals for her family and for church events was her way of saying, “I love you.”  She enjoyed her many years of singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and driving the youth group to monthly youth events. Her home was always open to others.

Dorethy’s hobbies were gardening and canning in her younger years, as well as making baby quilts for her many grandchildren. Puzzles, walking, and old-time tv were her pastimes in her older years as well as reading Christian novels, listening to her favorite pastors on tv and listening to music. 

Dorethy’s devotion to Jesus Christ and her determination to have her children in church were her greatest priorities.  This was her greatest gift to her children who are all still followers of Christ.

Dorethy is survived by her children, Linda (Rene) McCullough, James (Kristine) Porter, Judy (Steven Tidwell) Porter, Marilyn (Thomas) Tidrick, David (Vicki) Porter, Rebecca (John) Porter; 25 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; siblings, Larry, Mary, Dawn, Patricia, Susan and Suzanne.

She is preceded in death by her husband Beecher; son, Michael; siblings, Adele, Carol, Loren, Donald and Patrick.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 12:00 pm, at Thrive Church in Wausau, with Pastor Dennis Romine officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of services at the church.  A burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park at a later date.