Finkelmeyer, Dorothy Ann (Unger)

Dorothy Ann (Unger) Finkelmeyer died peacefully on May 27, 2025, at her home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Dorothy was born on June 15, 1937, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the daughter and oldest child of John ("Jack") and Gladys (Ellery) Unger. Dorothy lived her entire childhood in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. As a young girl, Dorothy attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1955. Dorothy led an active life as a girl growing up in Mineral Point and was honored as the homecoming queen her senior year in high school. Dorothy loved being from Mineral Point and had so many cherished memories of growing up there. Dorothy was blessed with many lifelong Mineral Point friendships, and she always took care to nurture and treasure them.

Dorothy married the love of her life, Harry Finkelmeyer, on August 30, 1958. Together, Dorothy and Harry raised five sons and built a life together in Oconomowoc. Dorothy was the rock upon which everything in the Finkelmeyer home was built. Dorothy dedicated her life to her husband and sons. Whether it was attending a sporting event, concert, or play, Dorothy supported her sons and their friends enthusiastically. 

Dorothy allowed her love for her family and home to overflow to the entire Oconomowoc community. This was especially true at Christmastime when Dorothy would open her home to everyone to enjoy her enchanting Yuletide decorations. Dorothy owned a beautiful Victorian home in which she created a magical Christmas experience for all, but especially for her grandsons. Dorothy's efforts were so well-regarded that the Oconomowoc Enterprise highlighted her twice in its pages. It was always said of Dorothy that she knew how to keep Christmas well.

Dorothy was also very civic-minded. For over 30 years, she worked as a poll worker for elections both big and small. Dorothy believed deeply that our democracy required direct and active participation from all its citizens. Dorothy did her part to help our democracy thrive through her work at the polls.

Dorothy and Harry developed decades-long friendships with many members of the Oconomowoc community. Dorothy was a good and resolute friend who was always willing to offer a sympathetic ear and provide kind and supportive words to anyone in need. In partnership with her husband Harry, Dorothy always took particular care to reach out to family and friends who were confronting and dealing with challenging times. Dorothy carried out her abiding Catholic faith by supporting anyone who was struggling or facing his or her own vulnerabilities.

Dorothy had a lifelong passion for music and the arts. Dorothy's passion for music, and especially the piano, was ignited when she was a young girl. Dorothy had a special connection with the piano. It was a source of comfort and inspiration for her. Playing the piano was a way for Dorothy to channel her creativity and intelligence. While Dorothy was always self-deprecating, she truly had a gift for music and let it show. Dorothy filled her home with beautiful songs and melodies and brought immense joy to everyone who listened. She found a certain happiness, meaning, and peace in playing the piano. Through the piano, Dorothy found a deep and spiritual way to connect with herself and all the people she loved.

Dorothy was a woman who centered her life on faith and family. The Blessed Mother Mary inspired her. Because of Mother Mary's inspiration, Dorothy became a determined, devoted, and resilient woman. Dorothy and Harry were married for 58 years and he was always the center of her life. Their love for one another was strong and resolute. Dorothy took beautiful and tender care of Harry throughout their lives together. Dorothy's devotion to Harry, and Harry's devotion to Dorothy, was a gift. Everyone who was part of their lives is a better person because of their example. Dorothy was a loving daughter to her parents. As they cared for her, she cared for them. Dorothy was a devoted sister to her sisters and brother. Dorothy was always proud of her siblings and loved them deeply. Dorothy was also devoted to her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and shared many loving and meaningful memories with them. Dorothy took immense pride and delight in her daughter-in-law, Katy (Frey). Katy brought new energy to the family that Dorothy genuinely loved and admired. Dorothy also loved her three grandsons, H. Joseph II, Charles, and John ("Jack"). Each one of her grandsons brought her boundless joy, and she loved caring for them (especially at Christmas). Finally, Dorothy loved and nurtured her sons. Dorothy guided her five sons (Craig, Carl, Christopher, Curt, and Corey) through both good and tragic times. Her sons will never forget her strong-willed determination to accomplish her goals, the beauty she brought to the world, and her unwavering faith in God. Her sons will never forget how she challenged them, prayed for them, and loved them. Her sons will always admire and love her.

Dorothy is survived by her sons Carl, Christopher, Curt, and Corey (Kathryn); grandsons H. Joseph II, Charles, and John; sisters Jackie Clayton and Joni Schaub (David); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; son, Craig; parents, Jack and Gladys Unger; brother, John Unger Jr.; brother-in-law Donald Clayton; father-in-law George Finkelmeyer; mother-in-law Mary (Murphy) Finkelmeyer; brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law Francis and Anna Mae Finkelmeyer; Richard and Jean (Finkelmeyer) Figge; Norma Finkelmeyer; Paul and Gola Finkelmeyer; and Wayne and Alice (Finkelmeyer) Carey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 995 South Silver Lake Street, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be at St. Jerome immediately prior to Mass from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, at a date and time to be determined.

Pagenkopf Funeral Home

2228 N. Silver Maple Lane

Oconomowoc, WI 53066

262-567-4457 

www.pagenkopf.com