“You’re stuck with me. I’ll live to be 100,” was a common phrase from Dorothy Talatzko. She had been saying it for years and it seemed like she would be right.
A proud woman, Dorothy’s determination allowed her to live independently in her home until she was nearly 94 when she accepted a relatively short and graceful exit from our world. On March 24, 2018, a day shy of her 94th birthday, she embraced the everlasting rest that all eventually achieve.
Born Dorothy M. Drobiszewski on March 25, 1924, she was a first generation American who grew up in Milwaukee.
When she reminisced about her childhood, she painted a picture of bygone days: neighbors during the Great Depression coming together all contributing one food for Portuguese stone soup – her house being the gathering place, letting her fingers drag on passing train cars and jumping into Lake Michigan from the piers.
Dorothy had the strictest standards for waitresses who served her. You see, in her prime, part of her family’s livelihood depended on her career as a waitress. From time to time she had the privilege of serving famous guests, such as The Beatles – not joking. When dining out at restaurants, she would often advise “leave a penny with the tip if you liked the server and just a dime if you didn’t.”
A lover of liver, chocolate, Moscato, Christmas morning waffles and farm fresh eggs, Dorothy would rarely let a good meal to go waste. She had mastered the art of making chocolate fudge. Her romantic torte and sour cream coffee cakes were second to none. Skilled in crocheting, she would often lavish those she loved with her artistic creations for all occasions.
And while she enjoyed many joyful occasions and accomplishments in her life, it’s safe to say her proudest legacy is her family. The mother of four children, Dorothy acted as the glue that brought the family together. In addition to her children
Dorothy was proud to say that she also had 10 grandchildren (one sharing her first name), 19 great-grandchildren (with another one the way) and one great-great-grandchild.
Even among her last days on this earth, when she wasn’t always sure, she smiled gently and acknowledged when her “youngest great-grandchild” was in the room with her.
Dorothy has found eternal peace with the love of her life, Bob “Sarge” Talatzko, and others who moved on before her including her son, Bob Talatzko and 10 siblings.
She is survived by her children, Connie Abel, Beverly Grajeda (Craig), Laurie Talatzko, her beloved daughter-in-law Kathy Talatzko, her 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. All who will miss her and continue to be influenced by her steadfast kindness and dedication to her family. We love you Dorothy. So long for now.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Senior’s on the Go Taxi Service – Mukwonago or the Salvation Army.
Hartson Funeral Home, Hales Corners, assisted the family.
