Dorothy Wheeler

Dorothy Charlotte Hemp Wheeler, a beloved mother, dedicated teacher, and elected county government official, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Dorothy was born on January 2, 1935, in the small paper mill town of Mosinee, Wisconsin. Growing up in Mosinee, two of her greatest passions were ice skating and music. She loved skating on the Mosinee Flowage of the Wisconsin River and performed as a figure skater with the Mosinee Ice Follies.

Dorothy was an excellent student who always enjoyed school. At Mosinee High School, she sang in the school choir, played the flute in the school band, and participated on the forensics debate team. After graduating in 1952, she immediately began college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She spent four years studying English and Speech in preparation for a career teaching high school, with a minor in mathematics that allowed her teaching license to include math as well.

In 1956, Dorothy married her college sweetheart, Jansson “Jan” Wheeler. They were married for 55 years.

Music remained an important part of Dorothy’s life. She sang in wonderful choirs and performed in three musicals while a university student. As an adult, one of her greatest pleasures was attending musical performances. After college, however, her favorite pastime became playing bridge—a passion she enjoyed throughout her life and continued actively past her 90th birthday.

Most of Dorothy’s adult life and professional career were spent in Madison. Throughout her long and meaningful life, she devoted herself to serving others. As a teacher, she inspired generations of Madison middle and high school students with her patience, wisdom, and steadfast belief in the importance of education.

Dorothy spent many years teaching math and language arts at Marquette Middle School, now O’Keeffe Middle School. She later taught English at Madison West High School and retired in 1999 after eight years there. In total, Dorothy dedicated more than 40 years to teaching.

She was an exceptional teacher in every sense of the word. She would spend her evenings calling the parents of students who were falling behind, offering encouragement and looking for ways to help them succeed. Despite the demands of her career, she always made time to read Dr. Seuss to her own children at bedtime.

Dorothy was dedicated, caring, supportive, selfless, and optimistic. She belonged to one of the earliest generations of working mothers and embraced both her career and her family with remarkable energy. She “brought home the bacon and fried it up in the pan.” During school vacations, she taught her three children how to swim, ski, skate, and play tennis. Dorothy and Jan raised their children to be thoughtful, independent, and productive members of society.

After retiring from teaching, Dorothy became increasingly active on Madison’s Northside. She served on several boards, wrote for the Northside News, and became a member of the Northside Planning Council. Her commitment to her community eventually led to a career in elected public service. Dorothy served three terms as a supervisor on the Dane County Board, where she worked diligently on behalf of her constituents and community. She led with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service.

Alongside her political service, Dorothy remained an active member and enthusiastic supporter of the League of Women Voters and its mission. Whether in the classroom, at home, or in public service, she believed deeply in the value of education, civic participation, and giving back to the community.

Above all, Dorothy was a loving mother whose family was the center of her world. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, gracious spirit, and the encouragement she offered to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, Richard; her children, Tom, Mary, and John; and her grandchildren, Charlotte, Logan, and Michael. She leaves behind her loving family, friends, former students, colleagues, and countless community members whose lives were touched by her example.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. A celebration of Dorothy’s life is being planned for summer 2027.

Dorothy’s legacy of service, education, compassion, and love will continue through all those she inspired. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

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