Bette Dorava

1933-2021

Bette Mae (Russell) Dorava age 87, a 40 year resident of Skanawan Township passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 at Country Terrace in Tomahawk. The funeral service for Bette will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Krueger Family Funeral Home. Reverend Jess Wakefield will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in Perkinstown Community Cemetery in Perkinstown.

Bette was born Oct. 22, 1933 in Jump River to Edwin and Inga (Petersen) Russell. She married Elmer G. Dorava on Feb. 15, 1953. Together they owned a gas station and garage in Perkinstown until they moved to a small farm in Irma in 1960. Bette especially loved feeding birds, watching wildlife, picking wild berries, her vegetable garden and growing flowers. She was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Merrill.

Bette is survived by her five children, Sandra Prebeg of Sun Prairie, Cynthia (John) Schaffer of Tomahawk, Larry (Joyce) Dorava of Rhinelander, Joe (Anne) Dorava of Irma and Edwin Dorava of Represa, Calif.; and ten grandchildren, Melanie Dorava, Jason Dorava, Melissa McGinnis, Alexander Prebeg, Angela (Sam) Bourassa , Joshua Schaffer, Kelly (Kameron) Haugen, Jared (Hannah) Schaffer, Nikolas (Susana) Dorava, and Dylan Dorava. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Paris Haugen, Emily and Isaac Bourassa, Lucas, Kaitlyn and Jacob Messenlehner and Levi Dorava; two brothers, Ivan (Annette) Russell and Donald (Joan) Russell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; her parents; sisters, Ethel Foster, Rose Sweet, and Helen Wachsmuth.

Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary 99330