Dorothy, age 83, passed away on Tuesday. She was born to Stanley D. & Mabel (Brictson) Chandler. Dorothy graduated from Madison East High School with the class of 1944. She was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Earl T. Gausmann on March 17, 1946. Together they farmed in the Cottage Grove area for more than 40 years, and enjoyed polka music and dances. Earl preceded her in death in 1985. Dorothy was a wonderful mother and loved living on the farm. She was a talented baker and made many wedding cakes over the years. In 1987, Dorothy was united in marriage to Olaf Swenson. Together they enjoyed traveling and were able to visit many wonderful places. Olaf preceded her in death in 2004. Most recently, Dorothy had two memorable trips, to Norway and with her children to Virginia, to attend a granddaughter's wedding. She was a lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church, and also very active with TOPS, where she made many lasting friendships.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Richard (Debra) Gausmann of Yorktown, VA, Robert (Andrea) Gausmann of Stoughton, WI, Marjorie Syoen of Yorkville, IL, Donna Niesen of Mount Horeb, WI, Roger (Ann) Gausmann of La Crosse, WI, and Larry (Deborah) Gausmann of Cottage Grove, WI; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Norma Thrun, Joyce Watson, Joyce Gausmann and Judi Chandler; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brothers, Stanley D. Chandler Jr. and in infancy, William A. Chandler; brothers-in-law, Alvin Thrun, Kenneth Gausmann, Rollin Gausmann and Phillip Gausmann; sister-in-law, Betty Gausmann; and son-in-law, Jerry Niesen. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 14 at Hope Lutheran Church, McFarland with the Rev. Chris Lee Thompson and the Rev. Sylvia Lee Thompson presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., American Cancer Society or charity of the donor's choice. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers assisted with arrangements. Her obituary and a photo can be found in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 10, 2010.