Dorothy A. Mercer passed away February 8, 2023, while residing at Aspen Acres Assisted Living in Hayward, WI.

She is survived by her children, Ruth (Ron) Kenworthy, Larry (Carryl) Mercer and Daniel (Nancy) Mercer; 14 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Floyd Mercer; daughter, Leslie Ortiz; and grandson, George Andrew Froeschle.

Dorothy and Floyd raised their family in Clinton IA, while Dorothy worked at Jane Lamb Hospital as a personnel director. She was also active as a volunteer for Girl Scouts and a den mother for Cub Scouts, just to name a couple. She enjoyed traveling the United States and other countries with Floyd.

With family roots dating back to the Northwoods, she and her husband bought property on Reed Lake in 1960 where they enjoyed spending time in the summers with the family at the lake camping, swimming, fishing, and cooking on an open fire.

Once retired, Dorothy and Floyd moved to Hayward and built their dream home. She started working part time at the Northwoods Community Health Center in medical records.

She was active in the community volunteering at the nurse’s office of Hayward Elementary School, where she maintained immunization records. She also took the time to teach first graders how to read. If you attended Hayward Elementary School, she probably taught you how to read as she was present there for many years.

Dorothy had a passion for animals, so when the Northwoods Humane Society opened she started volunteering with them. She worked at the Thrift Store and at the shelter, in the cat room, and did many loads of laundry. She was on the Sawyer County Housing Authority board for many years, which led her to Habitat for Humanity. She even traveled to New Zealand to help others complete their homes. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, making miniature doll houses, reading, and spending time with her family.

As per her wishes, there will be no services. A private family gathering will take place in the spring.

The family would like to thank Aspen Acres and Hospice for all the time spent taking care of her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Hospice or the Northwoods Humane Society.

Last Update: Feb 12, 2023 2:54 pm CST