Dorothy May (Brunsell) Taplin, Plain, WI
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May 27, 1925 - January 12, 2016
Dorothy May (Brunsell) Taplin passed away Jan. 12, 2016, at home with her loving husband of over 70 years, Clarance, as always, at her side. Her faith was strong and sustained her to the end. She was born May 27, 1925, to Harley and Florence Brunsell in Janesville, WI. She grew up on the farm outside of Evansville, third of their 10 children, and attended a one-room school with the same teacher for all eight years. She graduated from Evansville High School in 1943. In November of 1943, she was married to her high school sweetheart, Donald Lawry who was lost in a B-24 bomber flight to Germany. During World War II, she worked as “Rosie the Riviter” on B-25 wings in Rockford, IL. After the war, on Oct. 26, 1945, she was married to Clarance Taplin. They spent the next 70 years together. They were active in many things: children, grandchildren and then great-grandchildren; church (third row on the right every week), traveling around the country and the world, remodeling an old farmhouse; square dancing, bowling, gardening; Friday night out with their friends. She loved needlework and was for years a needlework instructor at Manchester’s Dept Store in Madison, and was a member of quilting circle at church. She made many beautiful things. She loved her dog, Heather, and many cats, especially the last one, Babe. She was a wonderful cook and everyone especially loved her apple pie. She did many jigsaw puzzles. She was also an avid Packers fan.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Clarance; her children: Kay (Phil) Phippen, Kent (Vicky) Taplin, Carol Taplin and Richard (Millie) Taplin; nine grandchildren: Anson (Danielle) Staver, John Phippen, Eric Taplin, Amanda (Tony) Kutzke, Whitney(Tim) Peterson, Derek Taplin, Kim (Steve) Gartner, Colleen (Mark) Zimmerman, and Debbie Murphy; and 14 great-grandchildren: Brandon and Jenny Zimmerman, Nathan Murphy, Margaret, Emma and Noah Gartner; Kennedy, Zoey, and Zander Phippen; Alexandra and Samantha Staver; Madison and Brynn Kutzke; and Arya May Peterson. She is also survived by her sisters, Judy (Earl) Hatlevig and Jean Hackman; her brothers, Elwyn (Leslie) Brunsell and David (Sharon) Brunsell; and many nieces; nephews; friends; and relatives. She was preceded in death by her son, Tom; her parents; her sisters: Luanne Townsend, Betty Graham and Joan Brunsell; her brothers, Jerry Brunsell and Dick Brunsell; and her good friend, Lorraine Fredrick.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH in Spring Green. Pastor Douglas Larson-Sell will officiate with burial at a later date. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at the CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Online Condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The RICHARDSON-STAFFORD FUNERAL HOME of Spring Green, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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