Dorothy M. Klade

Dorothy Mae (Erickson) Klade, age 96, passed into the arms of God on March 5, 2026, at the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. Dorothy was born to Oscar and Mae (Rockwell) Erickson in Tomahawk, WI on February 21, 1930, the youngest of eight children. She grew up in the Tomahawk and Merrill area.

She married Doyle A. Klade on December 18, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Doyle preceded her in death on December 30, 2013.

Dorothy worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory, Lincoln Cleaners and for 30 years alongside her husband on their dairy farm. She finished her working career as a caregiver with Lincoln County Social Services.

Dorothy and Doyle enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, polka music and fishing. Dorothy also enjoyed growing flowers, embroidery and sewing.

Dorothy’s faith was very important to her. She looked forward to worship at church and at her apartment building. She loved her family very much and always looked forward to visits and telephone calls.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Doyle C. Klade of Menomonie, WI, Gary Klade of Merrill and Allan (Tammy) Klade both of Merrill; and grandchildren, Jennifer Cahak (Wayne Helland) of Eau Claire, WI, Andrew Klade of Menomonie, WI, Kris Klade (Tracy Klopstein) of Antigo, WI, and Jackie Arrowood of Wausau, WI. She is further survived by three great grandchildren, Noah Cahak (Annie Sonnentag) of Eau Claire, WI, and Hayden and Allayah Arrowood both of Wausau, WI; and four sisters-in-law, Annette Klade, Sandy Euler, Ida Schult and Mary Klade.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; daughter-in-law, Sandi Klade; and her siblings, Lillian, Lester, Margaret, Effie, Grace, Robert and Walter. She was also preceded in death by a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will preside. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill and after 9:00 A.M. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the church.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and posted for future viewing under her obituary on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church and School.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com