Dorothy Robertson

September 06, 1944 - January 21, 2026

Obituary

DEFOREST – Dorothy Ann Robertson, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with COPD. Dort was born on September 6, 1944, in Sparta, WI to Bernard and Dorothy (Haphenbreadle) Beach. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1962. Dort married the love of her life, Gary D. Robertson, on a very cold day on January 9, 1966. It was so cold, Bonnie, the maid-of-honor’s car wouldn’t start so Gary had to give her a jump before the wedding. She worked at Mendota Mental Health and retired after 32 years.

Dort enjoyed knitting and crocheting and donated hundreds of hats to Meriter hospital for all the newborns. She also made countless little girls happy, making clothes for their American Girl Dolls. She also liked going fishing with Gary during their trips to Canada each year, in which she usually out fished him. When not fishing, she would be spoiling the ducks, chipmunks and camp dogs. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her nieces. She will be greatly missed.

Dort is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gary; niece, Barb Montgomery; nephew, Michael Ward; great niece, Jen Hauser; great great nieces, Jordan, MacKenzie and Kylie; great great nephew, Bane Hauser; great great great nieces, Ivy May, Goldie, Everly, Rory and Lexie; and great great great nephew, Benjamin. She is preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Barb Beach and Marianne Kisting.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

A special thanks to the folk at Bristol Hospice and Hamilton Park Place for their loving care and support. To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250

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John Jenson

Family • 12 hours ago

Dorothy was always on the deck, feeding the chipmonks, waiting for us to come in from our morning on the lake. We would talk about fishing and the weather. Sure miss that. I rerally enjoyed sitting on the deck visiting with you two and talking about what you had been working on for the last year. Time doesn't heal all wounds, but as time passes, the hurt will get less. Hope to see you at Basket again. Your friend from cabin 6, John

Theresa Crary

Friend • 1 day ago

Some of my best memories were up at Basket Lake . The fishing was great but my favorite part of the day was spending the whole afternoon on their cabin deck having a beverage, feeding the chipmunks and just visiting. I have never laughed so had . But I was also fortunate enough to live near them . I loved all our basement visits ❣️ Dort will be greatly missed .

Richard and Lois Wedeward

Family • 1 day ago

We have so many wonderful memories of Dorothy from their weeping reception to many Robertson family reunions, to our more recent meet-ups for breakfast. Our deepest condolences to Gary and all the family members. She will be missed.

Brian Kuphal

Friend • 2 days ago

Dorthy was a heart warming beacon when arriving back at camp. A pleasure to talk to. Thinking of Gary and the family. Brian Kuphal and the guys from Basket Lake Cabin 6.