Dorothy M. Murkowski

Dorothy M. Murkowski, 84, Athens, died Friday, March 18, 2016 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Colonial Center, Colby, surrounded by family. She was born September 28, 1931 in Poniatowski, youngest child of late John and Angeline (Writz) Literski. On April 18, 1951 she married Howard Murkowski in Poniatowski. He preceded her in death on July 17, 2010. Dorothy worked alongside her husband on the farm and raising their family. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed both flowers and vegetables, which she shared with relatives and friends. Fishing, deer hunting in WI and WY, sewing, embroidery, listening to polka music, playing bingo, sheepshead, and croquet with her family were some of her hobbies. She also belonged to the PCCW for many years and sang in the church choir. Survivors include her nine children, Mary (Bill) Koranda, New Berlin, Karen (Steve) Ostovich, Duluth, MN, Jerry (Linda), Mike, Tom, Arlene (Tom) Henrichs, Myron (Cindy), all of Athens, Steve (Tina) Kiel, and Angie (Dean) Ellenbecker, Athens; 16 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Also survived by sisters-in-law: Marcella (Jack) Literski, Virginia (Leo) Literski, Betty (Ed) Literski, and Mildred (Clarence) Murkowski, many other relatives and friends, and dog Scooter. Besides her parents and husband, Howard, she was preceded in death by a daughter Rita, and siblings Frank, Joe, infant Regina, Mary, Jack, Al, Leo, infant Thomas, and Ed. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at church. There will be a 7:30 p.m. rosary on Monday at the Athens funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com