Dorothy Jean Milhans, age 95 of Shawano, died on Friday, May 15, 2020 at Birch Hill Health Services of Shawano, where she had resided for the past five years.
Dorothy Jean was born on May 17, 1924 in Gillett to the late William and Ella (Mayer) Ehlers. She grew up in Gillett and graduated from Gillett High School where she was active in school events. On April 19, 1947 she married Ambrose Milhans, a World War II Army veteran from Gillett. After their marriage, he returned to service with the U.S. Army and the couple resided in Waupaca before their military journey took them to California; Indiana; Colorado Springs, CO; Naples, Italy; La Plata, MD; and Camp McCoy, now known as Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The couple then settled in the Black Hills of SD, where Dorothy Jean was a secretary for State Farm Insurance in Rapid City, SD. She was also the LWM President at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hill City, SD, where she played a major role in fundraising to build the church. Dorothy Jean retired after Ambrose’s death and returned to the area of her birth and childhood, and the lifelong home of her parents. She settled in Shawano in 1994 to be close to the remaining members of her family and lifelong friends. An outgoing, social person, Dorothy Jean especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing bridge, bird watching, reading, music, and travel.
Left to cherish her life and memory are a son, Bruce J. Milhans of Fredericksburg, VA; a granddaughter, Samantha Y. Milhans of Montreal, Quebec, Canada; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their surviving family members. The last-born of her immediate family, eleven brothers and sisters preceded her in death.
A memorial service for Dorothy will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Gillett. Pastor Chris Byars will officiate. Interment will be at Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery in Gillett. Visitation will begin at 10:00 and continue until the time of service.
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