Dorothy Mae Colby

On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Dorothy Mae Colby, 71, passed away in the comfort of her home with loved ones surrounding her. She courageously battled cancer for the past year, but finally succumbed to the fatal illness.

Dorothy was born Nov. 1, 1951, to Joseph J. and Florence M. (Prokopiak) Twarowski in Chippewa Falls. She was raised in the Owen-Withee area and grew up on the family farm with two sisters. Dorothy was a graduate of Owen-Withee High School in 1969. She met her husband of 51 years in the same town, got married, and started her own family. She worked at Master Package for several years before becoming a CNA at the Clark County Health Care Center for 30-plus years, from which she retired.

Dorothy had the biggest heart and was filled with so much compassion. She touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. She enjoyed being a social butterfly and at times one could say a bit gossipy. Dorothy was strong-willed and stubborn, but these traits defined her. She was a fighter and made an impact on everyone who knew her. She liked to have family get-togethers, frost Christmas cookies with the family, attend Red Hat gatherings and grandchildren’s sports games, shopping, scrolling through her Facebook (although not always knowing what she was “liking” or writing), meeting up with friends, trying all of Dylan’s new dishes, and dressing up for Halloween to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters. She was a great friend and the most thoughtful person you could meet but what Dorothy loved most was being a grandma and caring for her grandchildren, no matter what age. She will be missed by all.

Even during Dorothy’s most difficult times throughout the past year, she stayed strong and started living by the motto “It will all work out.” She believed in the power of prayer and that there is a time and reason for everything.

Dorothy is survived by two sisters: Sandra (Ron) Amidon and Patsy Fudala. She will forever be remembered by her daughters: Stacey (Kevin) Purdy, Kelley (Jason) Hanson and Shanna Nernberger. She will be cherished and always remembered as “Beema” to her grandchildren: Dylan Hanson and Lexi and Damian Nernberger.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Brad Colby, who will be waiting for her with open arms at heaven’s gate. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law: Gary Fudala; her son-in-law: Neil Nernberger; and her precious dog, Zsa-Zsa (her fourth daughter). Dorothy’s wishes were to be cremated and have a small, family-only service which will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Following that service, the family will be having a Celebration of Life for Dorothy at Igy’s Bar and Grill, in Withee, from 1-5 p.m., which will be open to anyone who knew Dorothy.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home, Thorp, is assisting the family with arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY 139204