Dorothy Miller Waetzig

Dorothy Miller Waetzig, born Feb.16, 1921, passed peacefully on to her next life on Tuesday, May, 20, 2014. Dorothy, the daughter of John C. and Mamie Griffin Miller, grew up on a farm in Overbrook, Kansas, along with her brother, John E. Miller, and her sister, Alberta Miller Schwartz. At age 16, Dorothy met her future husband, Francis W. Waetzig, at a local "honky tonk" dance hall in Carbondale. After graduating from Overbrook H.S. in 1938, she moved to California where she was a cook and a housekeeper on a peach ranch. Francis missed her, so love brought her back to Topeka where she worked from 1938-42 at the Menninger Foundation as the canteen manager. Married in 1941, Dorothy and Francis bought their first home at 900 Clay St. in 1947, renting rooms to couples needing lodging after the war. They raised their children in that home, which they owned for 60 years. Dorothy, the family's "Energizer Bunny," was always busy. She worked for Menninger Family Care, 1959-70, being a second mother to patients transitioning from the hospital back to their homes. She also worked for the Kansas State Health Dept., 1970-72, and the Shawnee Co. Health Dept., 1973-95, assisting doctors and ordering medical supplies. She retired at age 74. Dorothy also had a full social life. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, a charter member of Holy Name Rosary Circle, and an active participant in the following clubs: City Retirees, Christian Widows and Widowers, and Card Group. Until recently, she was at her gym at 7 a.m. walking the treadmill, lifting weights, and joining her friends for coffee afterward. She also loved her travels to Alaska, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Washington DC. Her 2011 move to McCrite's Retirement Plaza resulted in new experiences with treasured new friends. She leaves a legacy of love and laughter. Her husband Francis preceded her in death in 1995. She is survived by her children, Dennis and Marlene Haug Waetzig, Chesterfield, MO, Bruce and Connie Waetzig Holmes, Williamsburg, VA., and Greg Waetzig, Topeka; her grandchildren, Chad and Elizabeth Williams Waetzig, Granger, IN, Todd Waetzig, Las Vegas, NV; Bryan Holmes and Julie Leaf, Burlington, VT; and Matthew Holmes, Williamsburg, VA; and her great grandchildren, Julia Waetzig, and Grace and Erin Williams. Dorothy will lie in state at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church on Saturday, May 24. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by a rosary at 10 a.m., and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial is private. The family gives a special thank you to her caretakers at McCrite's Retirement Plaza and at Grace Hospice. Memorial donations can be made to Mater Dei Catholic School or Let's Help sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603. www.brennanmathenafh.com.