Catherine Dobbe
August 18, 1927 – June 24, 2023
Catherine Dobbe (nee Firkus), 95, peacefully passed away on June 24, 2023, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
She was a beloved resident at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point for the past four years, where she found solace and an engaging environment to enrich her final days following the passing of her husband, Gerald, in 2012. Catherine’s unwavering spirit of exploration, thirst for knowledge, and zest for life made her a remarkable individual.
Catherine was born in Stevens Point on August 18, 1927. During her high school and college years, she resided in a boarding house. She attended P.J. Jacobs High School before pursuing further education at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1947.
Her teaching career commenced in Rosholt, Wisconsin. She had a minor in math/science and when the Korean War called up the male teachers, she got the certification to teach math and science. She educated young minds until 1975, spending the final 12 years with the Iola-Scandinavia School District.
On Oct. 14, 1950, Catherine Firkus married Gerald Dobbe at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Torun, Wisconsin. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey that included leading RV caravans through Mexico when they relocated to Arizona. Subsequently, they were invited to replicate their ventures in New Zealand and Australia, spending three transformative years abroad.
Returning to Arizona, Catherine and Gerald ventured into a new chapter of their lives, becoming integral to the family business, Bajer Design. Over the next 12 years, Catherine actively assisted Gerald in establishing and managing sewing and manufacturing facilities across Mexico and Arizona.
In 2001, Catherine began splitting her time between their home in Mazatlan, Mexico, during winters and their cherished summers in Wisconsin. The summers in Sayner, Wisconsin, were particularly dear to her heart, filled with the presence of family, friends, and the joy of feeding the deer that roamed the area.
Catherine Dobbe’s extraordinary life was defined by her unwavering commitment to learning, her passion for adventure, and her dedication to her loved ones. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate to have known her.
Catherine is survived by sons Gerald (Bob) R. Dobbe, Jr. (Laura) of Rosholt, Leslie (Rosemary) of Iola Wisconsin, Larry (Michelle) of Stoddard, Wisconsin, and daughter Louise Trant Dobbe (preceded in death by Tom Trant) of Hudson, Wisconsin; grandchildren Grant (Caroline) Dobbe, Bellingham, Washington, Kara (Zack) Kolden, Fargo, North Dakota, Eliza (Dalton) Herold, Plainview, Minnesota, and 1LT Anna Dobbe of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; great-grandchildren Alan and Radia Dobbe; and many loving and caring nieces, nephews, and friends.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents Steve and Myrtle (Burke) Firkus, and her sisters Evelyn (Andrew) Olander and Helen (Stan) Menning.
A very special thankyou to the St. Croix Hospice and the care givers at Dimensions Senior Living. Your kindness, generosity and empathy are beyond words of appreciation!
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/wi/donate
Visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church in Rosholt, Tuesday, July 11, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Internment of ashes to follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point.