Doris Wilhelmi, 85

Blue Earth – Doris (Novak) Wilhelmi, age 85, of Blue Earth, passed away Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, at Mayo Health System in Mankato. A Mass of Christian burial was Saturday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Fr. Andrew Beerman officiated. Patton Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Born to Anton and Margaret (Barta) Novak on Oct. 9, 1937, in Veseleyville, North Dakota, Doris was raised on a farm and was the seventh of eight children in her family. She graduated from North Dakota’s Park River High School and worked at the ASCS office after graduation. While living in Park River, Doris met Richard Wilhelmi. They were married on May 12, 1962, and raised five children in the communities of Park River, Blue Earth and Duluth.

Doris was a positive person, always looking on the bright side of things. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, hosting company, visiting, traveling with Dick and other couples, playing cards and wintering in Lake Havasu, Arizona. She was also a thrill seeker and not afraid to parasail or take a ride in a hot air balloon. She made an incredible impression on all who met her, but the biggest piece of her heart was her family and her faith. She was a long-time member of the Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters. She loved attending her grandchildren’s activities and remembering others’ birthdays and special occasions; she was the glue that held the family together. Doris made sure to always keep in touch with those that meant so much to her.

Left to cherish the memories of such a wonderful woman are her children; Reyne (Jon) Wisecup, of Winona, Jackie (Mike) Heinzen, of Marshfield, Wisconsin, Alan (Marnie) Wilhelmi, of Blue Earth, Dale Wilhelmi and Liz Foster, of Ramsey, and Alison (Cory) Chopp, of Columbia Falls, Montana; her treasured grandchildren: Whitney Wisecup (Zach Weber), Kellen and Cole Heinzen, Aaron, Wade, and Anikka Wilhelmi, and Kody Wilhelmi. She is also survived by her brother, Leonard Novak; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Novak, Elaine Novak, Maureen Novak, Delores Novak and Pat Novak; as well as many nieces and nephews. Additionally, survived by her brothers-in-law, Ken Fischer and Tim Twete, and sister-in-law, Kathy Twete.

Her siblings who preceded her in death include Florence Pecka, Anthony Novak, Vivian Novak, Cyril Novak, Edith Ramsey Flint, and Herman Novak, as well as her sisters-in-law, Ellen Novak and Patricia Fischer. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, the love of her life, Dick, who passed away Dec. 19, 2018. She missed him every single day.

Memorials to Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church or a charity of your choice are preferred.