Dolores J. (Reitz) Birkholz, age 92, of Weyauwega, was received into the arms of Jesus her Savior, on Tuesday, September, 27, 2016, with family at her side, at Appleton Medical Center, and is now reunited with her husband, Armin, in heaven.
She was born on April 7, 1924 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Arnold and Nettie (Mueller) Reitz. Dolores was the oldest of five children. She graduated from the Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, and then was employed in Appleton at the AAL. It was in Appleton, at the then Cinderella Ballroom, where she met Armin. She married Armin G. Birkholz, and they were Blessed with “70” years together. He preceded her in death on July 2, 2015. Gardening was a favorite pastime. “Her Beauty was of her inner self…the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4. She loved the Lord and she loved her family. And her warm smile was a reflection of that. Dolores (Mom) was always comforted by the unwavering ‘assurance’ that God was in complete control of everything, and that He held her hand, during her journey here on earth.
Dolores is survived by three children: Rick (Sandy) Birkholz of Jacksonville, FL; Ellen (Jon) Wendt of Sequim, WA, and Mark Birkholz of New London; four grandchildren: Brian Birkholz, Chris Wendt, Andrew Wendt, and Rachel Morris; also six great-grandchildren: Leighton, Laurel, Logan, Abby, Dawn, and Emma. She is also survived by her brother, Eugene (Lucille) Reitz; sisters, Lois Schreiner and Janet Jaeger, and sister-in-law, Pat Reitz, along with several wonderful nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, George Reitz, and two brothers-in-law, Richard Jaeger and Milt Schreiner.
The Christian funeral for Dolores will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Weyauwega, with Rev. Newlin Schafer and Rev. Dennis Lemke officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega. A visitation will be held directly at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, (312 W. Main Street, Weyauwega). The Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Weyauwega is serving the family. www.clinehansondahlkefuneralhome.com
A Special Thank You from the family to the Staff at Kindred Hearts Senior Care in Greenville, who assisted and cared for Dolores 3 1/2 years. They would also like to thank Appleton Medical Center’s Staff for their loving care and support in the final hours.