DOROTHY LILLIAN (NYGAARD) KERR
Dorothy Lillian (Nygaard) Kerr, age 72, passed away December 10, 2015 at The Neighbors Of Dunn County after a short, tough battle with cancer.
Dorothy was born October 4, 1943 in New Richmond, WI to Leonard and Bernice (Brahmer) Nygaard. She was raised in the Wilson area and attended school in Glenwood City.
Dorothy married Allen Kerr on August 20, 1960 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They made their first home in Glenwood City, WI then, in 1966, bought their farm in rural Wilson, WI where they remained for the last 49 years. Dorothy and Allen were blessed with 55 years together. Allen passed away May 20, 2015 from cancer and sadly five months later, in October, Dorothy was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Dorothy and Allen lived a simple but full life on the farm raising their four sons. They had beef cattle, pigs, and many ponies and draft horses. They always had at least one pet dog and many cats as their companions. Dorothy’s true joy in life was her family and spending time with them. She was a wonderful cook and baker. When her sons were older she worked as a cook at several places such as The Kernel, Old School House, Loggers Inn and The Wilson Nite Club. Her family was blessed to enjoy years of homemade meals and many baked goods. Besides baking and cooking Dorothy also enjoyed attending school and sporting events for her sons and grandsons, many years of pony and draft horsepulls that Allen and her son Kory competed in, snowmobile and ATV rides, an occasional fishing trip with family, many trips to Minong, WI, an occasional cross stitch or needle work project, and crossword puzzles. During gatherings with family and friends, you would usually find her enjoying a good game of cards. Her family is left with many wonderful memories that will be cherished forever.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her father Leonard Nygaard (1959); mother Bernice Ryan (July, 2015); husband Allen Kerr (May, 2015); infant sons Craig and Kevin; infant grandson Kenneth; stepfather Orville Ryan; brother-in-laws Dennis Keck, Alvin Kerr and John Kubesh; sister-in-law Joyce Schillinger; nephew Larry Kerr; and other dear relatives and friends.
Dorothy is survived by her sister and best friend Karen Keck (Bud Wimmer); four sons: Keith Kerr, Kevin (Patty) Kerr, Kory Kerr (Ashley Williams), Kelly (Becky) Kerr; six grandsons: Jesse (Caitlin) Kerr, Colin Kerr, Dalton Kerr, Dakota Kerr, Kurtis Kerr, Kasey Kerr; brother-in-laws: Ralph Kerr, Roger (Ann) Kerr, John (Leigh Ann) Kerr; sister-in-laws: Arlene (Dick) Clack, Arliss (Chuck) Rundblad, Ina Kubesh, Lorrie (Gene) Quilling, Sandie Kerr. Many dear nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Visitation was on December 15, 2015 from 4-8 at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, WI. Funeral was on December 16, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Wilson Lutheran Church, Wilson, WI. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Dorothy’s grandsons: Jesse Kerr, Colin Kerr, Dalton Kerr, Dakota Kerr, Kurtis Kerr and Kasey Kerr.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Neighbors Of Dunn County for their compassion and care towards Dorothy and her family.