Knutson, Doris Marie (nee. Oldenberg), Age 90, passed away late March 13, 2013 at Kindred Care Center in Burlington. She was born in Burlington on December 24, 1922 to Alfred and Astrid “Esther” Oldenberg. Doris graduated from Rochester Agriculture School in 1940 and worked as a telephone operator in Waterford. She was a long time employee of Tobin Drugs in Burlington. She married her “G.I. Joe”, Clifford on May 10, 1947. Doris was an avid baker, and her cream-filled coffee cake was a regional favorite. The recipe was a closely held secret, and many, many attempts were made to crack the code by several professional kitchens and chemists. They all failed. She was a long time member of the Rochester Congregational Church, and more recently the Honey Creek Community Baptist Church. Doris is survived by her children: Linda (Richard) Helton, Crocker, MO; Colleen (Robert Jr.) Holder, Rochester, WI; Martin (Wanda), Louisville, KY; Michael, Germantown, WI; Thomas (Cindy) Rochester, WI; Christine (Dan) Rathbone, Twin Lakes, WI; Peggy (Steve) Thorpe, Milwaukee, WI. She was proudly known as “Grandma Mert” to her grandchildren: Heidi Kara, Scott (Danelle) Kara; Ryan Mayes; Kari, Kelli, Richard Jr., Josh, Jacob Helton; Kyle (Tricia), Nate (Sarah), Travis, Jocelyn Holder; Amanda Maas; Michelle (T.J.) Olson; Jon Knutson; Tanya (Bill) Corey; Becky Knutson; Brandon, Dalton, Austin, Andrew Rathbone; and 14 great-grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her husband: Clifford “Stoney”, daughter: Cheryl (nee: Kara) Mayes, brothers: Donald, Harold, Ralph and Ray Oldenberg. Services will be held on Monday, March 18,, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Honey Creek Community Baptist Church, 35518 Washington Ave (Hwy D), Honey Creek, WI. Visitation prior to services in church on Monday from 9-10:45 AM. Burial in Rochester Cemetery following services. The Family sends a sincere “Thank You” to Seasons Hospice and the Parkinson’s Center in Milwaukee. Mealy Funeral Home, 225 W. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185 262-534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com