Roland “Dobie” Chester Dobratz, aged 92, of Shawano peacefully departed this earth for his heavenly home on August 2, 2022. Born in Shawano on November 28th, 1929, to Walter and Mabel (Brusewitz) Dobratz, Dobie graduated from Shawano High School in 1947 and went on to play football at the University of Wisconsin — Whitewater. However, he had to leave college early to help work the family farm and cattle trucking business when his father was injured in an accident. In 1951, Dobie was drafted and served as Sergent of Artillery in the Korean War with the Kentucky National Guard. He served until 1953 and remained close friends with the men he served with, traveling to Kentucky annually for reunions. Later in life, he had a wonderful
experience participating in the Honor Flight. After returning home from Korea, he married his longtime love, JoAnn (Miller), on December 12, 1953, in Suring. They were blessed to enjoy 60 years together as best friends and soulmates before her death in 2014. Before she passed, JoAnn left a note saying: “the people who knew Dobie best will miss his compassion, work ethic, humor, and enthusiasm for life.”
Together, JoAnn and Dobie operated Dobratz Meat Market and Grocery in Shawano until 1977 when the store was purchased by a grocery chain. Dobie then worked in meat departments in Junction Super Value and Jenkins Meat until his retirement. Dobie was a Wisconsin sports enthusiast and passed that love down to his children and grandchildren. Whether he was attending a Packers game (he held tickets since 1949!) or cheering on the Badgers, he was a passionate fan! He loved reading and the Shawano County Library, meeting up with friends for coffee or a burger, traveling around Wisconsin, Peace United Church of Christ, card games, and was always up for an ice cream cone. He also loved the outdoors and being active — whether that be cross country skiing, driving the pontoon boat around his beloved Kelly Lake, bicycling, or pulling his grandgirls around Shawano in a toboggan. Dobie loved his family and was deeply committed to the people around him, whether they be neighbors, family, or friends. As a husband, Dobie was completely devoted. As a father, Dobie was understanding, patient, and gentle. As a grandfather, well, Dobie was made to be one. He was in the stands for every sporting event, on the bus for every field trip, and always there to lend a comforting hug or word. We never doubted his love for us. Dobie was also unfailingly kind and always gave grace to those around him. He treated everyone he met with respect, no matter their lot in life. He was not only tolerant but accepting and open. He was selfless, even when he didn’t have much to give. He was brave and always stood up for those in need of a friend. He forgave and understood, even when it must have been hard to forgive and understand. He was incredibly funny and never missed an opportunity to laugh. Most of all, he was a true friend. He will be missed beyond words but will live on through his children and grandchildren, who will try to live up to his example and who have many stories and memories of “Dad” and “Grandpa Dobie” to share. We love him more than tongue can tell.
Dobie is survived by his children: Kris (Dave) Kunkel and Dan (Sheri) Dobratz, all of Stevens Point, Heidi (Scott) Russell of Navarino; his granddaughters, the “M&M Girls”: Morgan Dobratz of Minnesota and Molly Russell of Vermont; and his step-grandson: Jacob (Nickki) Russell and their son William of North Carolina. Dobie is further survived by his sister, Nancy Cummings of
Cloverleaf Lakes, and sister-in-law Angie Dobratz of Green Bay, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Dobie was preceded in death by his love, JoAnn, his parents, his brothers (Gordon, Eugene, and Douglas) and many others.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano, with Pastor Uriah Williams officiating. Visitation will be held at church on Saturday beginning at 9:30 am. Military honors will be conducted following the service. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Peace United Church of Christ scholarship fund and Navarino Nature Center.
Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to: the staff at The Pines, ThedaCare Hospice, and Oakhaven; his at-home caregivers; Gwen, Karen, Shirley, Diane, Denise, Brenda and Pepper; his home-delivered meal driver, Lou Anne; and all of his wonderful neighbors, especially Beverly, Richard, Gale, Kathy, Dennis, Kerrie, Brayden, Adalyn, and Chelsea. Also, Rita for following him everywhere for haircuts and keeping an eye on him at Charlie’s. It took a village to help keep Dad home as long as we did and provide enough care to meet his needs. We thank you all.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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